A New Type of IUP Settlement in the Selenga River Basin, Northern Mongolia: The Kharganyn Gol-13 Short-Term Occupation Site

Abstract

Here we outline the results of excavations at a recently discovered Initial Upper Paleolithic site, Kharganyn Gol-13, located on a tributary of the Selenga River in northern Mongolia. The Selenga valley and those of its tributaries were key routes along which humans dispersed during the Initial Upper Paleolithic. The concentration of sites of that period is highest here. Most are situated near outcrops of lithic raw material and are classifi ed as relatively long-term quarry-workshops. Excavations at Kharganyn Gol-13 have revealed a single cultural layer in sediments damaged by bioturbation and slope processes. We describe the stratigraphy and spatial structure of the site and its lithic industry, which is shown to belong to the Initial Upper Paleolithic, being dominated by opposite platform bidirectional blade reduction. Analysis of the lithics reveals a lack of available raw materials nearby. Apparently, cores brought to the site were already prepared. All cores are heavily reduced and scarce, tools are frequent. The concentration of lithics is low. We conclude that the site, located at a distance from outcrops of suitable rocks on Selenga River tributaries, was a short-term camp associated with a specifi c activity.