The multi-layered settlement of Ust-Menza-2 in the southwestern Transbaikalia
https://doi.org/10.21285/2415-8739-2023-4-8-22
EDN: BCDFBC
Abstract
The article presents the multi-layered settlements of Southwestern Transbaikalia, among which the discovered by the Chikoi Archaeological Expedition of Chita Pedagogical Institute in 1980 Ust-Menza-2 site stands out. 34 cultural layers have been identified in this settlement. Of these, 32 layers (C.L. 3-27) belong to the Upper Paleolithic. The lowest C.L.s (25-27) reflect the final stage of the middle period of the Upper Paleolithic. Paleolithic layers 4-24 characterize the late time of the Upper Paleolithic. A variety of stone structures have been found in these cultural layers, most of them are interpreted as the remains of dwellings. The lithic inventory of the Paleolithic layers testifies to the origin and development of the microblade industry based on the use of terminal wedge-shaped microcores from single primitive microcores and curved microblades to variable-shaped microcores and numerous upright secondary forms. In the Paleolithic layers, fragments of bones and teeth of the Siberian mountain goat, mountain sheep, bull, red deer, horse, tarbagan, fox, and bird were found. Bone tools are rare (awls, needles). A special place is occupied by C.L. 3, attributed to the final Paleolithic. C.L.s 1 and 2 from the Holocene deposits date back to the Bronze Age. These layers contain hearths, fireplaces, stone implements, and traces of the use of metal. Stone inventory retains its relevance, while the assortment of tools is expanding, which is associated with the beginning of ore mining and the use of bronze. A special group of finds in C.L. 1 and 2 is occupied by pottery with a large number of ornamented fragments. The correlation of Ust-Menza 2 with other multi-layer sites of Menza and Chikoy makes it possible to create a reliable regional geoarchaeological scheme and present a vivid picture of the development of the material culture of the ancient population.
About the Author
S. V. Maslodudo
Center for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Objects of the Trans-Baikal Territory
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey V. Maslodudo, Researcher
53, Anokhin St., Chita 672000
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