Obsidian production strategies at Kendale Hecala during the Neolithic and Ubaid periods

MUŞKARA Ü., KONAK A., Beyza Ağırsoy Z.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, vol.49, 2023 (AHCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 49
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104039
  • Journal Name: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus
  • Keywords: Chalcolithic, Obsidian, Pottery Neolithic, pXRF, Techno-typology, Upper Tigris
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study represents the geochemical characterization of obsidian artifacts from Kendale Hecala to understand the nature of obsidian chaîne opératoire during the Pottery Neolithic and Ubaid 4–3/Early Chalcolithic periods in the Upper Tigris region. Elemental characterization of 292 obsidian artifacts using a handheld portable X-ray Fluorescence instrument along with the techno-typological analysis indicates different production patterns for the sources exploited at the settlement, including Bingöl A, Nemrut Dağ, Bingöl B, Group 3d, Sarıkamış, and Meydan Dağ. The change in the obsidian use observed by the number and the weight per source reflects no significant differences in source diversity; however, the relative proportion of each source changes. Even though Bingöl A remains the dominant source throughout time, the techno-typological analysis based on weighted frequency per compositional group by categories shows a preferential utilization of obsidian sources. The results of the study suggest alternative acquisition models for different sources and two possible routes for obsidian transportation to the site.