The Chronology of Insiza Cluster Khami‐Phase Sites in South‐Western Zimbabwe: Compositional Insights from pXRF and Raman Analysis of Excavated Exotic Glass Finds

A study analyzing glass beads and fragments from Khami-phase sites (15th–19th centuries) in south-western Zimbabwe reveals distinct chronological patterns linked to occupational layers. Compositional analysis using pXRF and Raman spectroscopy identified Indo-Pacific beads dating to the 15th–17th centuries at Zinjanja and early Danamombe layers, correlating with Torwa occupation. European beads and a high-lime, low-alkali glass fragment from the 16th–19th centuries were found in later stratigraphic layers of Danamombe and Naletale, aligning with Rozvi occupation. Gomoremhiko contained a Mapungubwe–Zimbabwe bead series (13th–15th centuries), suggesting an earlier phase than other sites. All European beads exhibited soda-lime plant-ash glass with high alumina, consistent with Mediterranean production traditions.

Koleini, F., Machiridza, L. H., Pikirayi, I., & Colomban, P. (2019). The Chronology of Insiza Cluster Khami‐Phase Sites in South‐Western Zimbabwe: Compositional Insights from pXRF and Raman Analysis of Excavated Exotic Glass Finds. Archaeometry, 61(4), 874–890. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12463