Stratégies d’habitat des chasseurs à l’Épipaléolithique de la région de l’Elbrouz, Nord Caucase

Abstract

The authors consider habitat strategies in Epipaleolithic sites in the north-central Caucasus, in the Elbrus region. The human occupation levels dating from 17 to 11/10 ka ago in the Elbrus region were studied using the microstratigraphical method. The analysis of the assemblage composition, faunal remains and dwelling structures (bonfires, hearths, masonries) allows us to draw conclusions about peculiarities of economic specialization of individual occupational levels. The determination of habitation activity in occupational levels and industry characteristics depending on the type of human activity in the site is especially important for comparing simultaneous sites whose industries may have similar characteristics. The analysis of economic activity in each site can help to explain the specialization and specific differences between the sites.