A Comparison of Resinous Artifacts in the Ancient Near East
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Date
2014-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Resinous artifacts, including amber, are one of the more common precious and useful materials found in archaeological sites in the ancient Near East. Amber was obtained by these civilizations from long-distance trade, and was seen as a precious gem. Other resins, often found locally, were used as incense, adhesives, and personal adornment among other things, oftentimes used by both the lower and the upper classes alike. Resins, however, have not been extensively studied in the Near East. By analyzing resin artifacts from eleven different sites, this study focuses on a comparison among the resins found at these chosen Near Eastern sites to understand any area- or culture-specific trends in resin quality, use, color, clarity, craftsmanship, size, and shape. Through statistical analysis of over 300 different samples, there are indeed clear-cut trends of resin characteristics and use present at certain sites. The trends provide a foundation upon which all resinous artifacts in the Near East can be analyzed. These resinous artifacts and the characteristics which link them to certain sites can give archaeologists a basis on which to further examine other similar precious artifacts. It is possible through studying these resin traits that with chemical analysis their origin and family of plant can be uncovered, leading to studies of ancient resin-gathering and trade routes. With the conclusions reached from this study, there is potential to create a basis of comparison between several Near Eastern sites and their use of precious goods, specifically resinous goods as status markers, trade items, or pieces of material culture with everyday functions.
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Keywords
resin, amber, archaeology, near east, levant, trade routes