Paléolithique supérieur ancien des piémonts du Tian-Shan septentrional (Kazakhstan du Sud-est). Dernières découvertes et état de la recherche

The Upper Palaeolithic is little studied in Kazakhstan. The few stratified sites were known in this vast region until recent years. However, the research begun in the 2000s has made it possible to locate numerous multi-layered sites in Southeast Kazakhstan, particularly in the foothills of the Northern Tian-Shan. The sites contain many layers of the Early Upper Palaeolithic (EUP). The Maybulak, Rakhat, Uzynagash 1–2, Kyzylauz 2 and Kuruma sites were discovered between 2004 and 2023 and are currently being studied. The sites are characterised by the presence of fireplaces, conservation pits and charcoal stains. The archaeological material consists of lithic objects and sporadic fragments of animal bones. Radiocarbon dating of the EUP layers from these sites shows a period of ∼35,000–27,500 uncal BP (∼41,000–30,000 cal BP). The lithic industries is divided into three principal complexes: the first complex with a dating of > 41,000 cal BP, the second complex with a dating of ∼41,000–39,500 cal BP and the third complex with a dating of ∼36,000–30,000 cal BP. A cultural hiatus is attested between ∼39,500–36,000 cal BP. Overall, the EUP industries of the Northern Tian-Shan have similarities with the proto-Aurignacian and Aurignacian industries. However, they also show an original aspect. A major new cultural complex of the EUP sites is thus located in the foothills of the Northern Tian-Shan. In general terms, it can be considered as a Tian-Shan Aurignacian variant.