Obsidian Analysis and Neolithic Trade in Northern Italy

Source analysis of obsidian artifacts from sites in Tuscany provides new insights into the complexity of neolithic socio-economic organization in northern Italy. Obsidian frequency, distribution, and sources represented may be used to determine the nature and extent of exchange networks and transport mechanisms utilized. Elemental analysis of large numbers of samples may now be done rapidly, inexpensively, and without compromising the integrity of small and/or rare artifacts. The results presented here are part of a comprehensive study of obsidian from northern Italy which will allow us to revise earlier interpretations which were based on limited numbers of analyzed samples.