Title: Geochemical Analysis of Obsidian and the Reconstruction of Trade Mechanisms in the Early Neolithic of the Western Mediterranean
Abstract: Geochemical fingerprinting of obsidian sources was first applied in the Mediterranean region nearly four decades ago. Since then, a number of analytical methods have proven successful in distinguishing the western Mediterranean island sources of Lipari, Palmarola, Pantelleria, and Sardinia. The existence of multiple flows in the Monte Arci region of Sardinia and on some of the other islands, however, has enabled the study of specific patterns of source exploitation and the trade mechanisms which resulted in the distribution of obsidian hundreds of kilometers away during the neolithic period (ca. 6000-3000 BC). Results are presented here from the chemical analysis of significant numbers of artifacts from several Early Neolithic sites in Sardinia, Corsica, and northern Italy as part of the largest and most comprehensive study of obsidian sources and trade in this region. The patterns of source exploitation revealed by this study specifically support a down-the-line model of obsidian trade during this period.
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 11
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot