obsidian

(noun)

A hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock.

Related Terms

Examples of obsidian in the following topics:

  • Ancient Egyptian Trade

    • Egyptians during this period also imported obsidian from Ethiopia, gold and incense from Nubia in the south, oil jugs from Palestine, and other goods from the oases of the western desert and the cultures of the eastern Mediterranean.

  • The Zapotec

    • Fine pieces of rare jade, pearl, and obsidian were found in a cache in Oaxaca and were probably used to cleanse religious sites or temples upon the completion of construction.

  • The Maya People

    • Prestige goods, such as obsidian mirrors and jade mosaics, began to appear, increasing the demand for more extensive trade with other language groups, including the Olmecs.

  • The Classical Period of the Maya

  • The Aztec People

    • Archeological evidence shows that jade, obsidian, feathers, and shells reached the capital through established trade routes.