The dawn of the Metal Age: Social complexity and the rise of copper metallurgy during the Chalcolithic of the southern Levant, circa 4500-3500 B.C (Israel).
详细信息
- 作者：Golden ; Jonathan Michael.
- 学历：Doctor
- 年：1998
- 导师：Pigott, Vincent C.
- 毕业院校：University of Pennsylvania
- 专业：Anthropology, Archaeology.;Engineering, Metallurgy.;History of Science.
- ISBN：0599120681
- CBH：9913461
- Country：USA
- 语种：English
- FileSize：17806720
- Pages：493
文摘
This Dissertation focuses on the topic of the emergence of social complexity during the Chalcolithic by investigating archaeological evidence related to the earliest production and use of copper in the southern Levant. One key question concerns the particular economic, social and political environment in which copper circulated. A major part of this research project will focus on the specific contextual data related to metallurgical remains in order to understand the range of activities that they represent. Certain patterns in spatial distribution may reflect the operation of various social forces, while absolute and relative dating can provide the opportunity to investigate questions about change within the industry. Another part of this research concerns technical problems concerning the production of copper and copper-base alloys. This includes questions about material procurement and preparation, furnace and crucible technology, and methods for casting and finishing various metal artifacts. The assemblages to be studied are from five settlement sites in the northern Negev desert of Israel, including Abu Matar, Bir es-Safadi, Shiqmim, Gilat, and Nahal Tillah. Investigation of these problems will be based on examination of the archaeometallurgical remains including ores, slags, crucibles, furnaces, and metal. A number of analytical methods are employed including metallography, optical microscopy, and ICP and PIXE chemical analysis.;The results of investigation indicate that copper does not appear until the middle of the Chalcolithic, when a simple, “pure” copper technology is employed to make utilitarian goods. At the site of Abu Matar, production becomes more focused as activities are concentrated in one workshop. At some point, there also emerges a separate industry distinguished by the use of complex metals to fashion intricate castings. Based on this information, it is concluded that the copper industry initially develops without the influence of a strong social structure. Ultimately, resources used for the production of copper are appropriated and controlled by a fledgling elite class.