Abstract
ABSTRACTThe Upper Paleolithic open-air site Sungir is located in the central Russian Plain. The blank production of the lithic industry is characterized by parallel reduction with flakes being the main blank type. The tool assemblage has two components: archaic types (Mousterian-like) on the one hand and Upper Paleolithic types on the other. The available data does not allow for a confident determination of the chronological position of the Sungir site, nor does it enable researchers to distinguish different stages of human occupation. The horizontal distribution of the dated samples demonstrates the almost complete absence of radiocarbon (14C) dates for household features identified at the site (fireplaces, fire and ritual pits, large accumulations of bones, etc.). In addition, the vertical distribution of 14C dates in the rather thick cultural layer points to the exposure of the site to solifluction.
Highlights
The Upper Paleolithic open-air site Sungir is located on the central Russian Plain on the high left bank of the Klyazma River (56°11 0N, and 40°30 0E; see Figure 1; Bader 1978)
There are 40 14C dates from the cultural layer of the Sungir site run on animal bones, charcoal, and soil, and 20 dates on human bones from the burials
Despite the significant number of 60 14C dates, there are still many open questions concerning the age of the Sungir site
Summary
The Upper Paleolithic open-air site Sungir is located on the central Russian Plain on the high left bank of the Klyazma River (56°11 0N, and 40°30 0E; see Figure 1; Bader 1978). For 24 field seasons (1957–2004) an expedition under the leadership of O.N. Bader, N.O. Bader, and L.A. Mikhajlova explored over 4000 square meters of the site area. Some authors define the cultural layer as “cultural soil,” because remains are to a large extent mixed and can be found through the whole depth of the soil. The thickness of the findbearing layer is up to 1 m (Bader 1978). A complicated burial complex with two graves with four burials (six individuals in all) was found at the site
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
