Characterization of the Obsidian Used in the Chipped Stone Industry in Kendale Hecala

Archaeological analysis of obsidian artifacts from Kendale Hecala, an Ubaid-period settlement in Southeast Anatolia, reveals that multiple obsidian sources were utilized, including Nemrut Dağ, Bingöl B, and Group 3d. This finding sheds light on the socio-cultural organization of the region during this period by demonstrating a complex distribution network for raw materials. The study employed macro-observations and handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to characterize the obsidian samples, followed by multivariate data analysis to identify source varieties. These techniques allowed researchers to trace the operational sequence of the lithic industry, providing insights into the settlement's technological practices and economic strategies.

Muşkara, Ü., & Konak, A. (2022). Characterization of the Obsidian Used in the Chipped Stone Industry in Kendale Hecala. Quaternary, 5(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/quat5010003