Identification of Obsidian Sources on Milos, Greece

Abstract

Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, was used extensively in ancient times because of its quality as a raw material for sharp blades. As such, obsidian is of high interest for provenancing studies, since reliable provenancing can provide information about trade routes, extension of territory, long-distance contacts and the mobility of prehistoric peoples. In general, well-established databases of the characteristic elemental composition, the chemical fingerprint, are needed for reliable provenancing. On Milos Island, two sources of raw obsidian, namely Agia Nychia (Cape Bombarda) and Demenegakion are known. Recent literature claims a third source close to Agios Ioannis. In a sampling expedition with the goal to complete the Atominstitut’s database on the chemical fingerprints of obsidian, samples at Agios Ioannis were collected to include this new source.  At the location, 16 scattered samples were taken for analysis, even though no direct outcrop could be identified. On the nearby island Kimolos, several more samples were found. Using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), the chemical fingerprint of the samples was measured and compared to the values in the database. All samples from Agios Ioannis were identified as either from Demenegakion or Agia Nychia, indicating that no further source of obsidian exists at the location.