New evidence for long distance interaction at Keros: Carnelian bead analysis using scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Recent investigation of materials from the enigmatic Cycladic sites of Kavos and Dhaskalio have greatly expanded our understanding of the Early Bronze Age Aegean world. Here the authors examine six carnelian beads from these sites to reconstruct their production sequence and possible regional origin. Analysis of microscopic indications of bead production methods allowed a high-resolution reconstruction of the technologies involved at each step. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine silicone impressions of drill holes made from these beads. This served to document the characteristic tool marks used to perforate the Keros and Dhaskalio beads. When compared to the SEM images of experimentally-reproduced drillings and those from beads whose drilling agents have already been identified, the identification of the types of drills used was possible. Since different production methods and drilling styles are diagnostic of different regional craft traditions it was then possible, using an interregional comparative study, to suggest the workshop traditions of origin for these beads. Results indicate that long distance import was likely for most of these beads while two may have been produced more locally in Anatolia. Of special significance is the one carnelian bead from Dhaskalio that we demonstrate derived from the Indus Valley craft tradition, perforated with a distinctly Indus-style drill and made in a shape common among Indus-affiliated beads. This in turn has major implications regarding the connectivity of the early Keros and Dhaskalio community.