Terminal-Edge Knapping Techniques in the Final Sartanian Complexes of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia

Abstract

The article presents the characteristic of the terminal-edge microknapping from the archaeological complexes of the Final Sartanian (sr4 ) of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. These complexes are dated in the interval of 14.7– 12.8 ka cal BP. Most of them are localized in the Southern Angara region (14 objects). The rest of them are located on the Upper Lena (1 object) and in the Kan-Yenisei region (2 objects). Cultural complexes from the above-mentioned interval are included a large number of the Bølling–Allerød (BA) soils. The process of the identification of techniques/methods of terminal-edge microknapping coincide with understanding that is considered in Japanese archeology. Variations of the Yubetsu techniques (Sakkotsu, Oshorokko) are widely used including those which have a sharp flaking angle in the traditional system of frontal platform trimming. Bifaces, unifaces, flakes, platy partings and pebbles were the preforms. There are single forms made in the Rankosi technique. The earlier technique of Saikai continues to exist. The blanks were pebbles, flakes, specially prepared forms, bifaces. The main feature of this technique is the trimming of the platform by transversely oriented spalls with one of the laterals. It is combined with Campus technique. It is based on the use of flakes, flattened cores of various modifications and specially prepared bifacial forms as blanks. For the Campus technique a special variant of platform trimming was fixed which was formed by a series of flakes from the lateral as in the Saikai technique. Then the working segment of the platform was supplemented with a specific “stepped” flakes from the front. The closest analogies of the Yubetsu strategy are found in the materials of synchronous objects in the Baikal-Patom highlands and Western Transbaikal region. The combination of the specific techniques of microknapping of the Saikai and the Campus has broad analogies in the Sartanian complexes of the Yenisei River valley. In the development of the cultures of the late stage of the Upper Paleolithic of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia a certain continuity is traced. It is expressed in the development of microknapping strategies.