A Dynamic View of Obsidian Exploitation in the Western Mediterranean

The provenience analysis of more than 1000 obsidian artifacts from Italy and France provides a framework for interpreting prehistoric distribution and exchange networks in both geographic and chronological perspective. Electron probe microanalysis (WDS) of 11 major elements is sufficient to distinguish between the obsidian sources on Lipari, Palmarola, Pantelleria, and Sardinia; the Monte Arci source may be further divided into six distinct subgroups, five of which are represented among archaeological artifacts. This quantitative analytical technique has the advantages of being minimally destructive (only a 1mm sample must be removed from the artifact), widely available, and inexpensive.

Obsidian tools and flakes found at prehistoric sites in the western Mediterranean are evidence of a complex series of activities including procurement and transport of the raw material from these island sources, production and distribution of cores of finished tools, and consumption and eventual disposal. The author's analysis of large numbers of samples from each stratigraphic level of multi-component sites such as Filiestru Cave in Sardinia, Basi in Corsica, Poggio Olivastro in Tuscany, and from fifty other sites, provides temporal control for the understanding of obsidian distribution patterns.

While differential use of the various obsidian sources has been recognized in peninsular Italy, it is apparent now that distribution patterns vary both geographically and chronologically, and in ways not explained by differences in accessibility or functional suitability between sources. Several possible explanations are presented, including cultural alliances; the prestige factor in long-distance exchange networks; the role of middlemen, craft specialization, and the related distribution of ceramics and other materials; and the coexistence of multiple modes of procurement, production and distribution.