The Early Middle Paleolithic in Altai: New Data

Abstract

Purpose. Until recently, the earliest assemblages from Denisova Peshchera (cave) in the Altai mountains included a small collection of stone artifacts recovered from layers 22 and 21 in the Main Chamber of the cave. Comprehensive archaeological research carried out over the past decade has made it possible to study deposits recognized at the base of the stratigraphic section in the East Chamber. The oldest archaeological evidence documented in this area was found within lithological layers 15 and 14. Based on data from biostratigraphic studies and absolute dating, accumulation of sediments from layers 15 and 14 appears to have occurred in favorable environmental conditions of MIS-7. This paper presents the results of our analysis undertaken for a stone tool industry associated with these layers and correlation of these materials with contemporaneous assemblages from the other sections of the site. Results. The collection of stone artifacts from layers 15 and 14 includes more than 35 000 specimens. Primary flaking in this industry can be generally characterized by the use of both unifacial and bifacial cores utilized in a radial system. The analysis shows that small cobbles or large flakes with a massive cross-section were used as blanks for manufacturing such cores. Flake blanks include primarily truncated or short flakes with a smooth or natural platform showing no rejuvenation of overhang. Flakes mainly demonstrate longitudinal, unidirectional or orthogonal faceting of the dorsal surface. Blades were found in small numbers. Large, rare medium-size flakes, as well as fragments from massive flakes were used as tool blanks. The tool assemblage is dominated by denticulate, notch, spur-like tools and scrapers of different types. Flakes showing the ventral thinning of lateral edges, as well as flakes with removed striking platform, constitute a group of specific artifacts. Both geochronological data, which were obtained for the Pleistocene deposits in the cave, and technical-typological characteristics of the stone tool industry show that the closest cultural and chronological counterpart to the Early Middle Paleolithic assemblage from layers 15 and 14 in the East Chamber is evidences recovered from layers 21 (363 specimens) and 20 (1 039 specimens) in the Main Chamber. Conclusion. Geochronology of the lower deposits from Denisova Peshchera, which is based on the lithological and biostratigraphic record, as well as on the absolute age determinations, makes it possible to recognize this cave as the earliest stratified Middle Paleolithic site in Siberia. Data resulted from the analysis of new archaeological evidences found in the East Chamber have significantly contributed to the knowledge of the Early Middle Paleolithic in the region, thus enabling further determination of the position of this complex among contemporaneous sites in North Asia.