Lipari (Aeolian Islands) Obsidian in the Late Neolithic. Artifacts, Supply and Function

Abstract

This study focuses on the Neolithic, particularly on the emergence and development of the Diana Culture in the Aeolian Islands. Since the 1950s, the archaeological excavations unearthed parts of a settlement in a plain near the sea, contrada Diana in Lipari. We discuss the technological and typometric study of obsidian from trenches XVII, XXI, and XXXVI. A series of pXRF analyses on obsidian were carried out to identify their sources. A selection of retouched and non-retouched artifacts was examined, showing the higher variability in forms than at importing sites. This significance of this workshop area on prehistoric trade is assessed.