1. Obsidian: Because obsidian was prized highly as a sharp and durable material, trading routes evolved and obsidian was exchanged over long distances.
2. Flint and Chert: These materials were very important in the making of tools and weapons.
3. Pottery: Some Neolithic pottery has been found miles from where it was made. This suggests that pottery also played a role in Neolithic trade.
4. Plants and Animals: As groups of Neolithic people settled different regions with different ecological conditions, they developed expertise in cultivating specific crops or raising certain livestock. This led to the exchange of these plants and animals, expanding the agricultural productivity of different regions.
5. Salt: Salt was a valuable commodity both for preserving food and for seasoning. Groups with easy access to salt deposits often played a central role in trade networks, exchanging salt with other communities in return for desired goods.
6. Religious Artifacts: Religious items, such as amulets, charms, and figurines, were often exchanged between different communities. These objects held spiritual significance and could facilitate cultural exchange and social connections.
7. Technology and Knowledge: The spread of new agricultural techniques, pottery methods, and toolmaking skills were also exchanged among different Neolithic societies. This exchange allowed communities to learn from each other and adopt beneficial innovations.
The exchange of goods and resources was often conducted through barter, where one item was directly traded for another. However, some Neolithic societies may have developed rudimentary forms of currency, such as using certain objects or materials as a medium of exchange.
The Neolithic period marked the transition from a largely self-sufficient subsistence lifestyle to more specialized economies. Trade allowed communities to access essential goods and resources from different regions, fostering economic growth, cultural diversity, and technological advancement.