Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

ALEXANDRIA

signed to fit polycandela. The most nume-
rous were lamps with solid knobbed stem
[Fig. 6:5-7]. The abundance of lamps with
bulbous-like ending and impressed groov-
es or dots does not seem to be paralleled
elsewhere [Fig. 6:8] They are characteristic
not only of the glass finds from Kom el-
Dikka, but also of nearby Marea.38
A considerable amount of window glass
fragments was observed in the material
[Fig. 6:9-14]. Three different manufacturing
methods were used, the most frequently prac-

ticed one being that of producing a round
pane with a thick center and folded or
rounded edges. Many pieces still bear the
distinctive pontil scar. "Bull's-eye" circular
glass panes were fire-polished on both sides.
In addition, some mold-pressed glass
weights were recorded. Up to the end of
the Fatimid period, such objects were used
in the Islamic monetary system to establish
the weight of coins."9 Later, under the
Mamluks and Ottomans, they may have
also functioned as tokens.

38 Cf. R. Kucharczyk, "Glass finds from the Basilica in Marea, 2003", PAM XV, Reports 2003 (2004), 63-64 and Fig. 1;
R. Kucharczyk, "Glass finds from the Basilica in Marea, 2004" in this volume, 56, Fig. 1: 4-7.
39 K. Eldada, "Glass weights and vessel stamps", in: Jere L. Bacharach (ed.), Fustat Finds. Beads, Coins, Medical
instruments, Textiles, and Other Artifacts from the Awad Collection (Cairo 2002), 112-165.

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