Polished Obsidian Objects: Examples of Prestige Items From Kültepe

Yıl 2017, Sayı: 16, 4 - 11, 01.06.2017

Semra Balcı Çiler Altınbilek-algül

Öz

Obsidian, one of the preferred raw materials for the production of knapped stone tools since prehistoric times, gradually began to be used to make ground and polished objects. In this preference, the aesthetic appearance of obsidian must have been an important factor, as well as the fact that it was an easily workable material. The polished objects, which are first known from a few Neolithic settlements, became more common through time. The obsidian blocks found in an official storage building at Kültepe, an important trade center during the Assyrian Colony Period, as well as the prestige items found in various contexts within the settlement attest to the importance of obsidian for Kültepe during this period. In this article, after a brief introduction to the use of obsidian in Anatolia since prehistoric times, our observations on the polished obsidian finds from Kültepe will be discussed and compared to similar objects from other sites.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Kültepe, obsidian, obsidian storage, prestige items, Assyrian Trade Colonies Period

Kaynakça

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