Early Specialized Production? A Chalcolithic Stone Bracelet Workshop at Kanlitas, Turkey

Abstract

An assemblage of marble bracelets, at various stages of manufacture, recovered during surface survey of the site of Kanlta in Turkey, indicates that there was specialized production activity at the site during the Chalcolithic period. In this article we present the assemblage, evidence about material procurement, technology and manufacturing processes. We discuss the significance of the assemblage in relation to other sites in the area and as an example of production intended for inter-site trade or exchange. We also address the wider issues of both the production of stone bracelets as a widespread practice in Anatolia from the Neolithic onwards, and the phenomenon of early specialized production.