UPPER PALAEOLITHIC OF MIZOCH UPLAND ON THE MATERIALS OF LYPA I AND LYPA VI SITES: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, AGE, TECHNIQUE OF FLINT KNAPPING, PRIMEVAL ART

Abstract

Upper Palaeolithic sites Lypa I and Lypa VI are situated in the western part of Mizoch Upland, not far from Dubno in Rivne region. These sites were most completely researched by excavations conducted by V. Savych in 1960th. Materials of these investigations were published at scientist's monograph. In 2012 in order to clarify stratigraphy of Palaeolithic site Lypa VI and also to correlate cultural horizons distinguished by V. Savych with other synchronous sites of Sub-Carpathians and Volhynia-Podillia regions field geological-archeological research were carried out. During them series of samples to obtain absolute dates for deposits were taken. According to TL-dates such ages of soils were defined: MIS 2 – loess above Krasylivsubhorizon (15,6±2,1 kyr), Krasylivsubhorizon (15,1±2,1 kyr, 17,8±2,5 kyr), loess under Krasylivsubhorizon (21,4±2,8 kyr), Rivne subhorizon (20,6±3,0 kyr), solifluctional strata above Dubno fossil soil (26,0±3,6 kyr), where the only Upper Palaeolithic artifact was found; MIS 3 – Dubno fossil soil (26,8±3,7 kyr, 26,8±3,7 kyr, 29,0±4,0 kyr, 59,4±8,2 kyr); MIS 4 – laminated strata under Dubnofossil soil (60,2±8,4 kyr, 68,8±9,6 kyr). Unfortunately, it is still not possible to correlate new stratigraphic data and absolute dates obtained for deposits with sections described by V. Savych and cultural layers situated there. History of research, characteristics of stratigraphic sections of Palaeolithic sites Lypa I and Lypa VI, analysis of stone raw-material, interpretation of collections of flint artifacts (by V. Savych), description of bone artifacts, decorations and objects of primeval art are considered consequentially. Existing cultural and chronological interpretations are also presented. Taking into account importance of Upper Palaeolithic sites Lypa I and Lypa VI, the complexity of their stratigraphic interpretation and justification of chronological position of cultural layers distinguished by V. Savychand also issues of definition of “Lypska culture”, the authors affirm the necessity to continue complex interdisciplinary research of these sites.