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Lithic technology and obsidian exchange networks in Bronze Age Nuragic Sardinia (Italy)

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Abstract

The study of the Sardinian Bronze Age (Nuragic period) and the factors which created and maintained an island-wide identity as seen through the presence of its distinctive nuraghi has received considerable attention; however, the amount of research directly related to the stone tools of the era has been relatively limited despite the wealth of knowledge it is capable of yielding. This research hopes to contribute to Sardinian archaeology through the study of ancient technology, specifically obsidian lithic technology, by combining typological information with source data gleaned from the use of portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. This research also explores temporal changes in the acquisition of obsidian raw materials and the corresponding changes in how the obsidian was used. The results provide precedence for future work in Sardinia and create a model for integrating two types of analyses, sourcing and typological. By combining these results, it is possible to investigate ancient economies, exchange networks, and cultural values.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the Soprintendenze di Cagliari and Oristano for granting the permissions for the excavations and analysis of the materials. We specifically thank Gary Webster and Joseph Michels for allowing us to study the obsidian artifacts from Duos Nuraghes and the other Marghine sites and the late directors of the Ortu Còmidu project, Miriam S. Balmuth and Patricia Phillips.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Chester New Hall Rm. 524 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L9, Canada

    Kyle P. Freund

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., SOC107, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA

    Robert H. Tykot

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  1. Kyle P. Freund
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Correspondence to Kyle P. Freund.

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Freund, K.P., Tykot, R.H. Lithic technology and obsidian exchange networks in Bronze Age Nuragic Sardinia (Italy). Archaeol Anthropol Sci 3, 151–164 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-010-0047-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-010-0047-7

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