Refining gold with glass – an early Islamic technology at Tadmekka, Mali

2014/05/01 by Th. Rehren, Thilo Rehren, S. Nixon +1 · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Social Sciences · #Archaeology and Rock Art Studies #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Diverse Cultural and Historical Studies

paper · doi:10.1016/j.jas.2014.04.013

openalex publication_date 2014/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

We describe two crucible fragments from an early Islamic context at the West African site of Tadmekka, in the Republic of Mali. They are made from a very sandy fabric and contain numerous gold particles and mineral grains in a matrix of lightly-coloured glass-based crucible slag. We interpret these as remains of a process separating freshly-panned gold concentrate from residual mineral inclusions, by melting the concentrate together with crushed glass beads. The process has similarities in modern artisanal practice, and shows the versatility of craftspeople in this major urban trading centre famous for its gold wealth. © 2014 The Authors.

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