Analytical Investigation of Obsidian Tools from Kurdistan Province, Iran: Determination of Exchange Paths During the Chalcolithic Period

A groundbreaking analysis of Chalcolithic obsidian tools from Kurdistan, Iran, reveals distinct exchange pathways during this period. Using X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis, researchers traced the origins of artifacts from Namashir, Ghazikhan, and Galali to sources in Anatolia and Armenia. Notably, Early to Late Chalcolithic 1 tools from Namashir were sourced from Meydan Dağ, while Late Chalcolithic 1 tools from Galali originated from Nemrut Dağ. The study also found that during the Late Chalcolithic 2, multiple sources and exchange paths emerged, indicating evolving trade networks. This research sheds light on the complex movement of cultural materials in ancient times.

Mucheshi, A. S., Esna-Ashari, A., Glascock, M. D., Oga, A., & Karimi, Z. (2021). ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF OBSIDIAN TOOLS FROM KURDISTAN PROVINCE, IRAN: DETERMINATION OF EXCHANGE PATHS DURING THE CHALCOLITHIC PERIOD. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5727492