By Sea and on Land: The Journey of Elaborate Basalt Bowls During the Chalcolithic Period

This paper explores the enigmatic origins and distribution of elaborately crafted basalt bowls during the Chalcolithic period (ca. 4500–3700 BCE) in the Southern Levant. These vessels, characterized by their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate design, present a puzzling pattern: they are notably absent from the basalt-rich Golan Heights but appear in significant quantities in the southwestern coastal plain, where basalt sources are totally lacking. Despite extensive research, no quarries or workshops associated with the production of these vessels have yet been identified. By analyzing the spatial distribution of over 1800 basalt vessels from 33 archaeological sites and integrating recent excavation data, this study challenges the traditional model of inland down-the-line trade. Rather, the study’s outcomes suggest that the distribution pattern aligns more closely with a maritime trade network. Coastal sites exhibit a far higher density of basalt vessels than that observed in inland settlements, indicating that these artifacts were likely transported by sea and introduced through coastal hubs. The proposed model points to a specialized production center outside the Southern Levant, highlighting the complexity and advanced organization of Chalcolithic trade systems and maritime engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean.