Dynamics and internationalism during the Late Bronze Age: circulation of raw materials and products between the Western Indian Ocean and the Southern Levant

Abstract

Although rather distant from the Western Indian Ocean basin, the southern Levant can be considered fairly included in the trading dynamics regulating movement and use of exotic goods, especially luxury raw materials, being frequently the final destination of this kind of items. Southern Levantine jewelry in the Late Bronze Age represents a widely eclectic group revealing a remarkable level of artistic talent and technical expertise. Most products are manufactured of gold and silver, using precious and semiprecious stones originating from eastern Africa and the Indus Valley. The opulence of the jeweler’s art, and in particular the extensive use of gemstones, has given rise to several hypotheses which are briefly discussed in the paper. The provenance of the raw materials will be examined, as well as the archaeological context of finds of finished products. The paper addresses the specialized production of personal ornaments, paying attention in particular to the players in this process and the ultimate effect of their work.

Keywords

• Late Bronze Age
• Southern Levant
• trade
• jewelry
• carnelian
• lapis lazuli