Changes in Core Reduction Models on Upper Paleolithic Sites in the Northwest Caucasus

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the changes in core reduction models at different stages of the Upper Paleolithic in the Northwest Caucasus. The broad chronological framework of this study (40 thousand - 12 thousand years ago) makes it possible to trace the changes in the preferred models for the use of cores. The correlation of the change dynamics in the main core reduction models along with a change in the metric and morphological features of the chips allowed the author to trace the development of stone knepping technology throughout the entire Upper Paleolithic era in the Northwest Caucasus. Methods. The work is based on an analysis of core morphology. All the cores from the collections were divided into several categories: core-shaped pieces, prismatic cores, edge-faceted cores, karenoid cores, and residual core fragments. Upon analyzing the morphology, the author takes into account the number of cleavage systems and their relative position. Based on the analysis of core morphology, the author determined the main reduction models. The identification of core reduction models is correlated with a change in the metric features of preformed chips. The author's analysis of core morphology revealed a number of trends. 1. There was a shift from the knepping technology, which includes two reduction models (knepping from prismatic and edge-faceted cores in the Early Upper Paleolithic (layer 1C of the Mezmay Cave), and in the first stage of the Late Upper Paleolithic) to primary splitting of prismatic cores in the late period of the Late Upper Paleolithic and in the Epipaleolithic. 2. The change in core reduction models was accompanied by a change in the metric features of the plate chips (an increase in the average value of the chip width and a decrease in the average value of the relative chip thickness).