Elemental analysis by field-emission scanning electron microscope of ancient glass beads sample from Pulau Kalumpang archaeological site, (Perak, Malaysia)

Abstract

Continuous research and excavation lead to the discovery of the 2 nd A.D. prehistoric settlement in the mangrove area located in Pulau Kalumpang, Perak, Malaysia. The findings encountered included pottery and earthenware, bones and abundance of various colors and shapes of glass beads. Glass beads are a handy archeological finding for its convenience size, portability and attractive material. An analysis using Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) conducted on the seventeen glass beads samples. The samples are the combination of seven major colors and three shapes. The analysis resulted to a composition that high in silica (52.0% to 78.0%), aluminum (9.0% to 20%) and sodium (3.0% to 19.0%), a key feature of South East Asia’s Indo- Pacific glass beads. The composition also shows no similarities composition to the glass beads from China, Europe and India. Different trace elements compared to the glass beads Sg Mas, Kedah pointed that the glass beads found was made in Pulau Kalumpang and the raw materials from broken glass were originated from Middle East.