Stone and Bronze Age Materials from the Ust-Vikhlyanka Archaeological Complex (research 2021)

Abstract

The results of excavations and collections of finds on surface at the Ust’-Vikhlyanka archaeological complex in 2021 are published in the paper. Caused by the ongoing destruction by the waters of the Kuibyshev reservoir in 2021, a 98 m2 excavation was investigated on the site. The average thickness of the cultural layer was 70 cm. The main layer of the archaeological complex is attributed by the authors to the Ust’-Kama culture of the final Paleolithic – early Mesolithic. Moreover, expressive macronuclei intended for the production of large blades were found in the blurred part of the complex. These finds indicate the use by the Eneolithic population of the Kama-Volga confluence area of the technology of enhanced pressure of macro blades. Another important find within the excavation was a vessel of the Atlikasy culture of the finale of the Middle Bronze Age. This is the first example of the Atlikasy culture ceramics on the left bank of the Volga below the mouth of the Kama.