Characterization of the Monte Arci (Sardinia) Obsidian Sources

Abstract

In the western Mediterranean, obsidian from four volcanic island sources was used beginning in the Neolithic period. The geological sources on Lipari, Palmarola, and Pantelleria have been located and chemically characterized; until now, however, the Monte Arci source in Sardinia was better known from the analysis of archaeological rather than geological specimens. The results of a comprehensive field survey and characterization study of the obsidian sources in Sardinia are presented here, and finally allow all obsidian artefacts of western Mediterranean origin to be attributed to specific sources using minimally destructive and relatively inexpensive methods of analysis. Five chemically distinct sources in the Monte Arci region were exploited, with their location and the physical properties of the obsidian itself contributing to chronologically and spatially diverse frequency-of-use patterns.