Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age

Jewels constitute a relevant form of documentation relating to the complex society and state formation process in Bronze Age Syria. They provide material evidence of various socioeconomic dynamics, including the capitalisation of precious metals (gold and silver), intensification of exchanges over l...

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Main Author: Ibrahim Ahmad
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Firenze University Press 2020-11-01
Series:Asia Anteriore Antica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://riviste.fupress.net/index.php/asiana/article/view/815
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author Ibrahim Ahmad
author_facet Ibrahim Ahmad
author_sort Ibrahim Ahmad
collection DOAJ
description Jewels constitute a relevant form of documentation relating to the complex society and state formation process in Bronze Age Syria. They provide material evidence of various socioeconomic dynamics, including the capitalisation of precious metals (gold and silver), intensification of exchanges over long-distances, along with the emergence of specialised craftsmen and goldsmiths who mastered the know-how in metallurgy and the manufacture of complex objects. During the 3rd and early 2nd millennia BC jewellery became an important tradition, in response to an increased demand for luxury personal objects for social display by the early Syrian and Mesopotamian kingdoms. Innovative techniques were introduced and would, over time, be transmitted across the Near East and the Mediterranean to Greece, Etruria and Rome, where granulation and many different decorative motifs were appreciated and diffused. The long-lasting continuity of traditional jewellery with its distinct techniques and motifs down to modern times attests to the economic and social relevance of this craft and the capacity of the Bronze Age societies to create a highly specialised craftsmanship. This article aims to illustrate and analyse the techniques documented by the Syrian Bronze Age jewels.
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spelling doaj-art-35351e2f666e4b7e96eaaf3f2f6d952e2025-08-20T02:07:23ZengFirenze University PressAsia Anteriore Antica2611-89122020-11-01210.13128/asiana-815Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze AgeIbrahim Ahmad0Independent scholarJewels constitute a relevant form of documentation relating to the complex society and state formation process in Bronze Age Syria. They provide material evidence of various socioeconomic dynamics, including the capitalisation of precious metals (gold and silver), intensification of exchanges over long-distances, along with the emergence of specialised craftsmen and goldsmiths who mastered the know-how in metallurgy and the manufacture of complex objects. During the 3rd and early 2nd millennia BC jewellery became an important tradition, in response to an increased demand for luxury personal objects for social display by the early Syrian and Mesopotamian kingdoms. Innovative techniques were introduced and would, over time, be transmitted across the Near East and the Mediterranean to Greece, Etruria and Rome, where granulation and many different decorative motifs were appreciated and diffused. The long-lasting continuity of traditional jewellery with its distinct techniques and motifs down to modern times attests to the economic and social relevance of this craft and the capacity of the Bronze Age societies to create a highly specialised craftsmanship. This article aims to illustrate and analyse the techniques documented by the Syrian Bronze Age jewels. https://riviste.fupress.net/index.php/asiana/article/view/815SyriaBronze Agegoldsmithsjewellery-makingmetal-workinggranulation
spellingShingle Ibrahim Ahmad
Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
Asia Anteriore Antica
Syria
Bronze Age
goldsmiths
jewellery-making
metal-working
granulation
title Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
title_full Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
title_fullStr Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
title_full_unstemmed Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
title_short Introduction to Goldsmith Techniques in Syria during the Early and Middle Bronze Age
title_sort introduction to goldsmith techniques in syria during the early and middle bronze age
topic Syria
Bronze Age
goldsmiths
jewellery-making
metal-working
granulation
url https://riviste.fupress.net/index.php/asiana/article/view/815
work_keys_str_mv AT ibrahimahmad introductiontogoldsmithtechniquesinsyriaduringtheearlyandmiddlebronzeage