Newly discovered Upper Paleolithic sites from the Tsagaan Turuut river valley, Mongolia

Batsuuri Ankhbayar,Cai Xi,Cao Jian En,Cao Peng,Gonchig Batbold,Guunii Lkhundev,Song Guo Dong,Tsedendorj Bolorbat,Tsend Amgalantugs

doi:10.5564/pmas.v60i1.1332

Abstract

In this article, we report artefacts found at the valley of Tsagaan Turuut River in the Khangai Mountain ranges in Central Mongolia. The artefacts were identified based upon core morphology, tool types and retouch. Regarding the core reduction techniques, single striking platform and single reduction platform cores are dominant. Although the tools on flake blanks predominant, tools such as points and knives with massive blades also occur. Side scraper, point, borer, combination tool, and borers are types that are less represented within the collection. This tool collection is highly similar to several IUP and EUP sites (Chikhen-2; Tolbor-4, 15 and 16) in Mongolia in terms of its reduction techniques and tool morphology. On a larger scale, it is similar to those of Early Upper Paleolithic sites in Trans-Baikal and Altai Mountains in Russia and North China.

Highlights

The territory of Mongolia lies in an extreme geographic region of Asia, located between the northern part of China and the Siberian Plateau of Russia
The central part of Mongolia belongs to the dry climatic region of the Gobi where there is almost no stratified sites, numerous Paleolithic and Neolithic materials have been identified from surface collections
Tseveendorj) discovered numerous lithic artefact sites in the valley of Baidrag River located in Bayankhongor aimag [4]

Summary

Introduction

The territory of Mongolia lies in an extreme geographic region of Asia, located between the northern part of China and the Siberian Plateau of Russia. The central part of Mongolia belongs to the dry climatic region of the Gobi where there is almost no stratified sites, numerous Paleolithic and Neolithic materials have been identified from surface collections. The Central Asiatic Expeditions, led by Roy Chapman Andrews, carried out investigations in Mongolia during five field seasons in 1922, 1923 and 1925 [3]. Tseveendorj) discovered numerous lithic artefact sites in the valley of Baidrag River located in Bayankhongor aimag (province) [4]. T. Petrin) focused on Bayankhongor aimag, which resulted in the discovery of numerous Paleolithic sites and the collection of thousands of tools. Caves and rock shelters, including the Tsagaan Agui and Chikhen Agui caves in Bayankhongor aimag, were found at the foothills of the Gobi Altai Mountains

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Conclusion