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Obsidian was widely traded in prehistory. It was valued for tools and as a commodity that brought prestige for its owner. Because the chemical composition of obsidian varies with its source, artifacts can be traced to their place of origin, allowing archaeologists to reconstruct ancient trade routes and connections.

 Jericho (Tell Es-Sultan)

Name: Map of Obsidian Trade

Material: Museum label
Size:
Height: 14.7 cm (5.8 in)
Length: 10.9 cm (4.3 in)

Date: 2004

Place of Origin: Oriental Institute Museum

Location: Oriental Institute Museum

Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum

Gil Stein

Director of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago