The National Archaeological Museum begins the restoration of a set of Roman glasses, acquired by Culture in 2023

The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) has begun the restoration of the collection of roman glass of the family Giralt de Archer whose heritage value is “extraordinary”, according to the art gallery, which adds that this collection was acquired by the Ministry of Culture in 2023.

This initiative has been possible through the signing of a collaboration agreement, through the Association of Friends of the National Archaeological Museum (AMAN), with the Iberdrola Spain Foundation.

The set is made up of a total of 187 pieces that cover a wide chronology. The majority are blown glass objects dating from the 30s BC to the late Roman period, to which is added a small group made of vitreous paste with an earlier dating, around 300-200 BC.

Some of the pieces come from workshops in the Middle East and North Africa, a fact of great relevance since this is the place where the formula for making glass originates, so they are earlier than those made in Hispania as they were created at the time of the emergence of the technique.

Glass, the first recycled material in history, expanded very quickly as it was the perfect support for containers intended to preserve drinks, food, oils and perfumes.

Thus, within the collection we find, among others, pieces of tableware, others for cosmetics and toiletries. In most cases these are exclusive luxury goods. Among the 187 Roman specimens, the MAN stands out for its uniqueness: the rib bowls, the so-called baby bottle, the modiolus, the carchesium cup, the flavian jugs and the dropper unguent jars.

“Although the state of conservation of the complex is generally good, In many cases the pieces show flaking of the glass itself that needs to be consolidated.caused by direct contact with the earth and humidity during centuries of burial,” says the MAN.

On the other hand, some of these containers will be analyzed, which may also make it possible to determine production workshops and obtain data on the materials they may have contained.