Long-distance trade in the Middle Chalcolithic of the southern Levant: The case of the olivine beads from Tel Tsaf, Jordan Valley, Israel

Danny Rosenberg, Yael Elkayam, Yossi Garfinkel, Florian Klimscha, Vesna Vuckovic, Yaakov Weiss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Eight olivine beads found at the Middle Chalcolithic site of Tel Tsaf (ca. 5,200-4,700 cal. BC), Jordan Valley, Israel, underscore a new facet of interregional exchange for this period. The current paper presents the olivine beads assemblage, its morphometric and technological characteristics, and chemical composition. The results of the chemical analysis suggest that all eight beads derive from the same source. By means of comparison with the chemical characteristics of known olivine sources, we argue for a northeastern African-western Arabian provenience and cautiously suggest Ethiopia as a probable origin. Finally, we discuss the significance of the assemblage, its possible origin, and the mechanisms that may have brought the beads to the site.

Original languageAmerican English
Article numbere0271547
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume17
Issue number8 August
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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