GeObs

GeObs is a basic research program in Human Sciences. We propose a multi-disciplinary approach of one of the most impressive archaeological phenomenon in recent Prehistory: the exploitation of Anatolian obsidian by ancient groups to manufacture tools and prestige objects and its spatial diffusion through exchange networks among communities over the whole Near-East (including Anatolia and Caucasus). We propose to analyse the volcanic context and to characterize in detail the 13 main sources recognized in Eastern Anatolia. Indeed, they are still insufficiently known and characterized in order to allow the analysis of the diffusion from geological sources to archaeological sites. The aim of the project is to establish a detailed database and geographical information system of the obsidian sources in eastern Anatolia. We thus propose an integrated and pluridisciplinary approach for obsidian sourcing based on: 1. Intensive field research. The aim is to study the volcanological settings of the obsidians that control their fingerprint as well as their morphological settings that constraint their accessibility through time. This study will concern primary geological sources as well as secondary reworked obsidians. 2. Multi-methods characterization of obsidian. We will analyse the geological samples as well as archaeological artefacts in order to characterize their fingerprints, using chemical (LA-ICP-MS, XRF and p-XRF) and physical properties (magnetic properties, petrography, mineralogy). The geological samples will be analysed in High-Tech laboratories, whereas artefacts will be analysed using portables in-situ method (p-XRF). We will thus pay a special attention to inter-method comparison and to the validation of p-XRF method. All the results will be analysed with the help of multivariate analysis. Finally they will be interpreted using the results of field investigation. 3. Spatial analyse and diffusion. We will compare the characterization of geological samples with the analyses of the archaeological data in order to understand the diffusion processes. Concerning the archaeological data, we will use the new p-XRF data obtained in the framework of the GeObs program concerning Anatolian excavations as well as already published data on artefacts made in the whole Near-East. Using the methods of spatial analyse we will try to understand the diffusion of the obsidian during Prehistoric times, from geological sources to archaeological sites. All the data produced during this 4 years project will be integrated in a database and a G.I.S. They will be diffused to the scientific community through a dedicated website, after the publication of the results in international journals. In 2012, a first version of the GeObs project has been proposed to ANR JCJC program and positively evaluated since it was included in the “complementary list”. We now propose a renewed version of the project. Our French and Turkish team is based on already existing collaborations. It is formed to conduct an interdisciplinary research combining geomorphology, geology, archaeology and archaeosciences. Our team is composed of highly experienced scholars who have already published in international papers in the fields interested by this project (e.g.: volcanic geomorphology, obsidian sourcing, obsidian characterization, diffusion processes or Neolithic of Anatolia).