Material reference

Obsidian · Talím at Bantay

Scientific identity, documented history, and community contexts are presented with sources. TÁWID’s contemporary design interpretation is identified separately.

Material identity

Obsidian is naturally formed volcanic glass, commonly black and rich in silica. USGS describes its formation in lava that cools without allowing crystals enough time to grow. This distinguishes it from crystalline minerals and from manufactured glass, even though all may be polished for adornment.

Its fracture produces curved, sharp-edged surfaces. In archaeology, the shape of flakes, their scars, and the contexts in which they occur can help researchers examine working and use. A polished modern bead represents another way of handling the same broad material category; its finish should not conceal that distinction. [1]

Documented historical context

Archaeological obsidian can be studied through both its worked form and chemical composition. Flakes and their scars preserve evidence of shaping, while compositional comparisons help researchers investigate the movement of raw material. Philippine obsidian research provides a specific example of the latter. [2] [3]

Philippine and community context

Neri and Pawlik’s 2015 account describes obsidian from Bubog 1 rockshelter on Ilin Island, off southwestern Mindoro, and Ille Cave in northern Palawan. Portable X-ray fluorescence measurements indicated a shared but then unidentified source. The authors used this result to investigate interaction between the two island regions during the Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene.

These early contexts precede the histories usually discussed as Austronesian dispersals. The evidence concerns access to material and maritime relationships; it does not establish a common protective belief or a bead tradition. [2] [3]

TÁWID’s contemporary interpretation

Talím at Bantay is TÁWID’s contemporary reflection on discernment and responsible boundaries.

References

1. US Geological Survey, Volcano Hazards Program, “Obsidian”
2. “Mobility of early islanders in the Philippines during the Terminal Pleistocene/Early Holocene boundary: pXRF-analysis of obsidian artefacts,” Journal of Archaeological Science (2015)
3. Leee Anthony Neri and Alfred Pawlik, EURASEAA15 conference abstract, “Mobility of early islanders … pXRF-analysis of obsidian artefacts” (2015)

How to read the material guide · Ask about a bracelet

ORDER OBSIDIAN

Choose your bead style, bead size, wrist circumference, and quantity. TÁWID will confirm current availability and the final total before payment.