Traceological features of anthropogenic incisions on Yuka Mammoth’ hide (Yakutia)

Abstract

The article presents the data of experimental-trasological analysis, confirming the cutting of the Yuka mammoth skin by man in the northeast of Yakutia during of time approximately ca 39,000 – 38,000 BP during relatively warm period (MIS 3). A series of experiments have been conducted to study processing separate hide pieces from different animals including one mammoth individual. It is fundamental to note that for the first time use-wear methods were adapted for the study of soft organic material, namely the mammoth hide which to date has only been available for research in Yakutia.

The result was an understanding of the criteria for the difference between the cuts made by stone and metal tools. In the examination we observed and documented a large incision along the Yuka Mammoth’s spinal ridge and incisions around the eye sockets. Traces of anthropogenic cuts on mammoth skin and their distinction from injuries caused by animals were described. Comparison of the experimental data and anthropogenic traces on mammoth Yuka’s carcass has shown that these cutting can have been made only with stone instruments before freezing the mammoth carcass.