During which period did elite control of pottery and obsidian trade occur in Mesopotamia?

The correct timeframe for elite control of pottery and obsidian trade in Mesopotamia is the Uruk Period. This era, which occurred roughly between 4000 and 3100 BCE, is characterized by the emergence of some of the earliest complex societies and urban centers. During the Uruk Period, there was a significant increase in trade activities, especially involving goods such as pottery and valuable materials like obsidian.

Evidence from archaeological findings indicates that this period saw the development of specialized pottery production and the establishment of long-distance trade networks, leading to elite control over these resources. Moreover, the growth of urban centers like Uruk brought about social stratification, where elites were able to monopolize trade and craft production, elevating their status in society.

The Ubaid and Halafian periods predate the Uruk Period. While they contributed to agricultural development and early pottery styles, they did not showcase the same level of elite control in trade that became prominent during the Uruk Period. The Neolithic Period encompasses a broader timeframe of initial agricultural development and does not specifically relate to the advanced trade systems seen later in the Uruk Period.