Amber Networks in Prehistory : North-Eastern Iberia as a Case Study
Murillo-Barroso, Mercedes (University of Granada (UGR))
Rosales, Mercedes Navero (University of Granada (UGR))
González Marcén, Paloma (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Prehistòria)
Martinón-Torres, Marcos (University of Cambridge. McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research)

Date:	2025
Description:	18 pàg.
Abstract:	This study concerns prehistoric amber networks in north-eastern Iberia, emphasizing its distinct exchange dynamics compared to other regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Baltic amber dominated assemblages in this area from the Late Neolithic to the Bronze Age, contrasting with the prevalence of Sicilian amber in southern Iberia, or Cretaceous Iberian amber in the northern region. The findings underscore the region's connection to southern France, with the Pyrenees serving as a cultural conduit, unlike the river Ebro, which acted as a boundary. Here the authors present the results of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis of twenty-one amber beads, primarily from collective burials. Eighteen were made of Baltic succinite. Baltic amber may have begun to arrive as early as 3634-3363 cal bc, and continued to be used until the Late Bronze Age. Exceptions included a unique spacer-bead made of gum and two bolus pigments misidentified as amber. The results highlight Iberia's regional diversity in raw material sourcing and exchange, reflecting distinct sociocultural dynamics and challenging linear narratives of Iberian prehistory.
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, sempre que no sigui amb finalitats comercials, i sempre que es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Published in:	European Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 28 Núm. 4 (2025) , p. 405-422, ISSN 1741-2722

DOI: 10.1017/eaa.2025.12

18 p, 3.2 MB

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