New evidence for interregional interaction in the 3rd millennium BCE Aegean: Indus-style carnelian beads at Aegina-Kolonna, Greece

• Published in: Paléorient Vol. 46; no. 1/2; pp. 161 - 178
• Main Authors: Ludvik, Geoffrey E, Kenoyer, Jonathan Mark, Pieniążek, Magda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: CNRS Éditions 01-01-2020; Paleorient and CNRS Editions
• Subjects: Aegean region; trade; Early Bronze Age; Égée; civilisation de l’Indus; Indus Valley civilisation; stone bead production technology; traditions artisanales; Bronze ancien; chaîne opératoire des perles en pierre; commerce; workshop traditions
• ISSN: 0153-9345; 1957-701X
• DOI: 10.4000/paleorient.391

This study presents new evidence for long-distance cultural interactions in the mid-3rd millennium BCE as reflected by the hard stone beads from Aegina-Kolonna in Greece. There, nineteen carnelian beads and one of rock crystal were discovered in a small jewellery hoard. Our detailed restudy of these beads indicates that at least fifteen beads can be linked to the craft traditions of the Indus Valley civilisation. This is demonstrated through shared morphometric proportions, stylistic types, and scanning electron microscope investigation of drill hole impressions revealing the diagnostic use of Indus-style constricted cylindrical drills. While earlier scholars have already noted an Indus link for the single “etched” or bleached carnelian bead at the site, these new data provide additional evidence for more extensive long-distance interactions between the Aegean region, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley in the 3rd millennium BCE.