Glass Production in Sri Lanka

A Report on the 2022 Excavations and Survey at the Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve, Giribawa

Abstract

This article presents the results of the first campaign of archaeological excavations that took place on the glass production site of Pabalugala (Giribawa), Sri Lanka, in 2022. It highlights the importance of the site for the understanding of glass production in Sri Lanka and for glass-making techniques in general. The unique semi-circular shape of the furnaces that were discovered opens a new window into bead-making technology. The type of glass corresponds to the composition of indo-pacific beads but differentiates clearly from South Indian glass. Its identification allows new areas of research concerning the export of Sri Lankan glass, particularly in South-East Asia. Thus, Giribawa constitutes an exceptional discovery and very promising site not only for the knowledge of glass technology but also for trade networks in Asia.