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

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.

The earliest cotton fibers and Pan-regional contacts in the Near East

“…200 km west of Dhuweila ( Figure 1A ), was located within a trade network and more likely to have engaged to long-distance communications. Also, in addition to cotton fibers, many artifacts with foreign origins (e.g., an Ubaid sherd, obsidian and olivine beads, tokens, figurines, and a copper awl) were found inside or near Room C70 at Tel Tsaf ( Figures 1G-I ) ( Garfinkel et al., 2014 ; Rosenberg and Klimscha, 2021 ; Rosenberg et al., 2022a ; Rosenberg et al., 2022b ). This room appears to have been a locality of intensive activities with people associated with long-distance exchange.…”