Abstract
Volcanic obsidian was widely used in ancient times for stone tools, with its highly glassy nature making it sharper than other lithics for cutting purposes. In Europe and the Mediterranean, there are just several island sources, and a few in one inland region, all having been used since the beginning of the Neolithic period, ca. 6000 BCE. Maritime transport was necessary for access to the Italian and Greek island sources, with the distribution of artifacts over distances up to 1000 km. While elemental analyses were used for identifying specific sources starting in the 1960s, the development of non-destructive and especially portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers has revolutionized the number of artifacts tested since 2010, allowing statistically significant numbers for potential comparisons based on variables including time period, open-water distance, visual and physical properties, and cultural contexts. One overall accomplishment is the documentation of long-distance travel routes in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas of the central Mediterranean, based on the distribution proportions and quantity of obsidian artifacts from different geological sources, apparently following a down-the-line prehistoric exchange system. The spread of Palmarola obsidian is much greater than previously thought, while in Malta, Pantelleria obsidian was specifically selected for burial accompaniments on Gozo.
Highlights
Volcanic obsidian was widely used in ancient times for stone tools, with its highly glassy nature making it sharper than other lithics for cutting purposes
Discussion and CoSnkcolrubsaiohnass a combination of residential and ritual structures, with seven phases spanning from ca. 5500–2500 BCE (Ghar Dalam, Grey Skorba, Red Skorba, Zebbug, These four eGxgaamntpijlae,sSaofflioenbis,iadniadnTsatruxidenie)sainndtehaechcewnittrhaol bMsieddiainteprrreasneenatn[6i7l]l.uFsotrllaotweitnhgethe excaimportance of anvaalytizoinn, gvilsauraglednisutimncbtieornssooff athrteifnaecatrsl,ya3l0lo0wobinsigdisatnatairsttiifcaacltlsyfosuignndifiwcearne tinnituiamll-y used to bers for comparisons based on variables, including time period, open-water distance, visual and physical properties, and cultural contexts
One overall accomplishment is the documentation of long-distance travel routes, based on the distribution proportions and quantity of obsidian artifacts from the different geological sources (Figure 15)
Summary
Volcanic obsidian was widely used in ancient times for stone tools, with its highly glassy nature making it sharper than other lithics for cutting purposes. In Europe and the Mediterranean, there are just several island sources in Italy and Greece, and a few in the inland Carpathian region, all having been used by the beginning of the Neolithic period, ca. Maritime transport was necessary for access to the island sources, while other materials would have been moved in opposite directions. Obsidian was likely a small part of this exchange system. The development of non-destructive and especially portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers has revolutionized the number of artifacts tested since 2010, providing new interpretations of obsidian selection and use, which changed over time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
