Reconstructing the Spread of Investment Casting in Chalcolithic West Asia Using Innovation Theory

Abstract

The technological origins of the investment cast polymetallic copper alloys of the Chalcolithic Southern Levant (4500–3800 BCE) are enigmatic. Investment casting and use of polymetallic copper alloys in West Asia seems to be exclusive to the Chalcolithic Southern Levant at this time. While undoubtedly cast locally, remains related to the alloy production are unknown and the closest suitable raw material sources are located in Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus, clearly identifying the metal as imports. In order to gain new insights into the origins of this technology, a literature survey systematically collected indicators for metal technology, the status-communicating system and the role of metal items in as well as inter-regional connections for the relevant West Asian regions and Southeast Europe. The results are interpreted against innovation theory. Despite the limited archaeological record and scope of the literature survey, it can be shown that investment casting and the use of gold likely spread as technological package linked to aesthetic concepts and a certain way of communicating status. It is suggested that each region interacted differently with this package. In case of the Southern Levant, its technological aspects were significantly modified while its ideological aspects remained unchanged.

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