Extending the scale of obsidian studies: Towards a high‐resolution investigation of obsidian prehistoric circulation patterns in the southern Caucasus and north‐western Iran

Recent archaeological research has highlighted the potential role of mobile pastoral groups in diffusion raw materials and technological innovations between southern Caucasus north-western Iran from Neolithic onwards. Two successive projects, PAST-OBS SCOPE, were designed to explore this hypothesis through study obsidian consumption patterns Bronze Age using a flexible analytical strategy that considerably extends scale studies these regions. By focusing on exploitation at multiple levels—local, regional interregional—we hope unravel complexity networks under study. The aim paper is present (1) reassessment work so far carried out by previous studies, with view homogenizing clarifying nomenclature use; (2) an introduction SCOPE projects order initiate discussion our preliminary results.