Mammoth Bones Research Articles

Global Biodiversity: Extinct Arctic Mammoth Tusks as Substitute Resource to Save Live Elephants

Objective: The aim of this article is to justify an approach to natural resource substitution using fossilised mammoth bones from the Arctic to conserve live elephants. Theoretical Framework - The theoretical idea and basis of the article is the replacement of ivory with the tusks of extinct mammoths against the background of melting permafrost in the Arctic. This approach is considered within the framework of a kind of 'mammoth pipeline' - the journey of extinct fossil mammoth tusks and their transformation into eternal values in the form of exclusive products, as well as their ultimate contribution to the conservation of living elephant populations. The theoretical basis of the study is the concept of sustainable development, the theory of natural resource substitution, biodiversity conservation, the concept of benefit sharing paradigm in Arctic mining. Method - The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach using methods from economics and management, ethnology and palaeontology, social research and monitoring. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the ivory to mammoth tusk substitution scheme is considered in terms of the benefits to global biodiversity conservation, including the maintenance of wild elephant populations and the development of traditional fisheries by indigenous peoples of the North. Results and Discussion - This article assesses the world resource of mammoth bone remains, concentrated in the Russian Arctic, and shows the possibilities of their use as a substitute natural resource for elephant conservation and socio-economic development of areas inhabited by indigenous peoples of the North. The influence of ongoing climate change on the increase in the extraction of fossil mammoth tusks is shown. The stages and links of the 'mammoth pipeline' under consideration, including the extraction of mammoth bones, the export and trade of tusks, and the substitution of mammoth tusks for ivory, are substantiated. The factors influencing the formation of the world demand for mammoth tusks are identified and the directions of their use for elephant conservation and socio-economic development of the local population in the Arctic territories in the areas of their extraction are shown. Research Implications - The results of the study can be used to conserve global biodiversity, develop a green economy, substitute mammoth tusks for ivory and conserve elephant populations. The authors estimate that supplying the world market with an average of 10 kilograms of mammoth ivory can save one elephant; exporting even half of the mammoth tusks extracted in Yakutia can save 60,000 elephants. At the same time, issues of social and economic support for the traditional trades and livelihoods of the indigenous peoples of the North are being addressed. Originality/ Value - The originality of the research and its value lie in the new scientific formulation of the solution to the scientific problem of global biodiversity conservation through the substitution of natural resources, the use of own empirical data obtained in the Arctic territories, as well as the possibility of practical application of the results obtained in the field of green economy.

THE EFFECTS OF MAMMOTHS ON HUMANITY'S FAITH AND BUILDING ACTIVITIES

It is highly likely that early humans, who generally lived in open nature, emptied large animal carcasses and used them as temporary shelters. This is because there are clear similarities between the mammoth skeletal system and the structural systems of constructions built by humans since prehistoric times. Early humans, who utilized deceased mammoth bodies as temporary shelters outside caves, might have later attempted to construct more permanent, taller, and wider-span huts using same materials. Many mammoth bone huts have been discovered across the Ukrainian and Russian Steppes, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, and these structures may be the result of such efforts. The construction method of this huts involves stacking large mammoth bones and covering them with mammoth skins. The potential impact of mammoths, which held great significance in the survival of early humans, on early belief systems and construction activities cannot be overlooked. This study aims to formulate "scientific opinions" on these issues by interpreting existing data in a relational manner. The "speculative thesis" proposed in this study suggests that even before the existence of mammoth bone huts (pre-Upper Paleolithic), individuals utilized mammoth rib cages as single-person shelters. Accordingly, early humans may have commenced constructing these huts using mammoth large bones in later periods. Thus, in later periods, even after the mammoths had disappeared, the forms of both the mammoth body, the mammoth ribcage, and the huts made of mammoth bone may have been reflected in the architectural geometry of huts, tents, and houses.

Анализ тенденций развития традиционных промыслов коренных народов в условиях климатических изменений (на примере Новосибирских островов и прибрежных арк­тических районов Якутии)

The article considers the possible positive impact of climate change in the Arctic zone of Russia on the traditional trades of indigenous peoples. The authors have carried out an analysis of trends in the development of fossil mammoth bone and wild reindeer extraction against the background of climatic changes occurring in the region. They have revealed that climate changes in the area of the Novosibirsk Islands archipelago and coastal Arctic regions contribute to an increase in vegetation productivity, thus creating new conditions for the development of reindeer husbandry and an increase in the number of wild reindeer. Based on the MODIS satellite image-processing model, the researchers have estimated the changes in the food supply of wild reindeer on the Novosibirsk Islands for the period 2000-2021. The results show that the degradation of permafrost rocks under conditions of climate change contributes to the development of traditional activity of indigenous peoples in the field of collecting fossil animal derivatives. The authors have confirmed the hypothesis about the positive impact of climate change on these areas of traditional activity by data on the dynamics of allocated quotas for the production of wild reindeer in 2010-2023, as well as data on issued and current licenses for the collection of fossil mammoth bones in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for 2016-2024. Basing on the results, the authors suggest developing traditional trades of indigenous peoples in the Arctic zone of the country and elaborating adaptation measures for the local population to the climate change processes.

Actinide isotope analysis and trace element composition of bones of prehistoric animals and humans by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used for analysis of the bones of archanthropus, ancient bear, southern mammoths, dinosaurs, as well as soils collected in various parts of Uzbekistan. The concentrations of 64 elements have been detected including thorium and uranium for which isotope compositions were also analysed. The comparison of the ICP-MS data with the results we obtained earlier for some bones using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) is presented. The concentrations of 234, 235, 238U are up to two orders of magnitude elevated compared to the soils (e.g.238U in south mammoth bone—130.1 mg/kg, and that of soil is only 1.6 mg/kg). The levels of 236U, and 239, 240, 242, 244Pu isotopes (possible neutron capture products of 235U and 238U) correspond to a count rate of blank samples. In addition, the isotope analysis confirms the uranium in the bones and surrounding soils is natural (the average determined for all samples uranium ratios 235U/238U = 0.0071 ± 0.0003 (2-sigma errors). The concentration of 230Th (which is the part of 234U and 238U decay chain) is also elevated in the bones compared to the surrounding soils, however, the concentrations of stable 232Th largely correspond to those of the soil. The excess uranium detected in bones is most probably due to the preferential accumulation from soil, and not to the paleo diet.

From the Berelekh ‘mammoth graveyard’ to Berelekh geo-archaeological complex: Paleoenvironment, site formation processes, and human-mammoth relationships

The Berelekh ‘mammoth graveyard’ is located on the Berelekh River in the NE Yana-Indighirka Lowland at 70° 30′ N and 144° 02′ E in the East Siberian Arctic. First studied in 1970, it was originally viewed as an example of a natural accumulation of mammoth remains in a periglacial landscape, although the discovery of associated archaeological remains indicated a human presence. New field research has yielded more data on stratigraphy, site formation processes, paleoenvironments, and age, allowing reassessment of the relationship between the mass accumulation of mammoth remains and archaeological site, which together constitute the Berelekh geo-archaeological complex (BGAC). The accumulation of mammoth bone spans 13,700–11,800 14C yr B.P., with respective peaks at 12,400, 12,200, and 11,800 14C yr B.P. The peaks fall within the Bølling-Allerød warming, represented in the Berelekh pollen record. Based on the taphonomy and dating of the BGAC, humans contributed to the formation of the bone-bed and procurement of mammoth was related to production of mammoth ivory technology. The dating of the mammoth bone accumulation coincides with the age of the archaeological site, indicating recurring but not permanent human occupation of the area. Based on IntCal20 calibration, the archaeological component of the Berelekh geo-archaeological complex dates to ∼14,000–13,500 calBP.

ROUTINE QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE SUERC RADIOCARBON LABORATORY

ABSTRACT The SUERC Radiocarbon Laboratory reports approximately 3000 unknown samples per year with an additional 1200 samples processed for quality assurance purposes. In addition to the primary OxII standard (SRM-4990C) required for AMS batch normalization, secondary “known-age” standards have been used over many years to evaluate individual batch quality. These have included wood (as prepared alpha-cellulose), barley mash, humic acid, a background mammoth bone, known-age bones, and a whisky sample. In this paper, we present some of the results gathered over routine laboratory operation (for more than 10 years) and examine the results illustrating how they are being used to monitor and quality assure performance. Since many of these samples have also been used in the Glasgow intercomparisons, we will also reflect on the results, as well as the actual and potential uses of such samples.

Foreign Concessions in Developing Natural Resources of Northeastern RSFSR in 1920s

This article examines the establishment of the state concession policy in the USSR during the 1920s, focusing on its objectives and principles, as well as its expansion into the northeastern regions of the Soviet state. The natural resources of the northeastern territories of Russia had attracted the attention of foreign concessionaires since prerevolutionary times, who established a network of trading representations for the procurement and export of furs, mammoth bones, fish, and various raw materials. In the 1920s, the Soviet state conducted significant work to prepare and approve legislative acts regulating concession activities and aimed at strengthening state influence over them. Special bodies were created to address these issues, including foreign trade departments (Vneshtorg), concession commissions (concesscom), and planning commissions. Through agreements between the Soviet government and foreign companies, concession activities began to yield practical results from the mid1920s. The principles on which it was based aimed to direct foreign economic relations towards the reconstruction of the country's economy. Overall, it can be concluded that the concession policy pursued by the USSR in the 1920s proved successful, playing a significant role in the reconstruction of the national economy after the civil war.

The Epigravettian Site of Yudinovo, Russia: Mammoth Bone Structures as Ritualised Middens

ABSTRACT We present here the results of a study of woolly mammoth remains from Yudinovo (Bryansk oblast, Russia) and argue for a revised interpretation of Late Upper Palaeolithic mammoth bone structures in Eastern Europe. Five distinct mammoth bone accumulations have been identified in the main (lower) archaeological layer of Yudinovo, dated to ca. 14.9–14.5 14C kya BP (ca. 18.2–17.6 kya cal BP). Taphonomic and zooarchaeological analyses have shown that the mammoth remains found at Yudinovo derive from the butchery of animal carcasses, supporting the hypothesis of mammoth hunting during the Upper Palaeolithic. Our analyses indicate that hunting of both adult and young mammoths took place. Yudinovo was occupied at intervals during both the cold and warm periods of the year, and evidence for various activities is found at the site. The most recently excavated mammoth bone structure was built from a large number of bones, and had a circular or oval form, 4–9.5 m in diameter. The mammoth bone structures have traditionally been interpreted as the remains of dwellings, but we interpret them instead as ritualised middens. Such middens were probably an important part of the socio-symbolic systems of the Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers who built them.

Keeper of Buryat Identity: The Phenomenon of Dashi Namdakov

The article examines the work of the famous Russian sculptor and architect Dashi Namdakov. It is suggested that the origins of his talent lie in the depths of Buryat traditional art. The roots of Buryat art date back to the Paleolithic era, which is confirmed by the images of female figurines that were found by A. P. Okladnikov during the excavations of the prehistoric sites of the Baikal region. On the small sculptures made of mammoth bone, the lines of the face are finely worked out and the faces are framed in hair in the form of rays and snakes. Hats and clothes in these figurines are decorated with animal elements, which are considered to denote the native archaic culture which later appeared in a shamanic worldview. The basis of ancient art was syncretic and synthesized religious cult and myths. Later on ancient art, beliefs and ideas about the universe were incorporated in the cult images of the Buryat Mongols and today are communicated in a combination of archaic beliefs and esotery. This peculiarity of Buryat art leaves an original and unique imprint on modern art culture. Visitors of Dashi Namdakov's exhibitions get the feeling of an amazing connection between modernity and mythological antiquity. The article includes a short interview with the master jeweler Dashi Namdakov, in which he speaks about his work, about its origins and his future expectations.

Revealing seasonal woolly mammoth migration with spatially-resolved trace element, Sr and O isotopic records of molar enamel

We investigated the mobility pattern of an Upper Palaeolithic woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) from the Kraków Spadzista site in southern Poland, one of the largest mammoth bone accumulations in Europe. We conducted in situ laser ablation (MC-) ICPMS Sr isotopic and trace element concentration measurements accompanied by spatially-resolved oxygen isotope measurements of dental enamel on a last upper molar tooth (M6). Our study documents excellent preservation of in vivo geochemical and isotopic records and reveals recurring changes in 87Sr/86Sr that oscillate between two endmembers and correlate with analogous variations in δ18O, as well as U and Sr concentrations. The observed periodicity corresponds to annual cycles of enamel mineralization as revealed by enamel histology and documents up to 11 years of woolly mammoths' life in a single dental plate. The high degree of correlation between the duration of enamel mineralization and the Sr and O isotopic records suggests that the mammoth migrated between two areas of distinct Sr isotopic composition as well as characteristic U and Sr concentrations, presumably forced by seasonal food availability. The mammoth grazed in southern Poland in winter time as indicated by lower δ18O values and likely moved 250–400 km northwards to the Polish midlands during summer. This migration pattern remained stable for at least 12–13 years of the animal's adult life as archived in this molar tooth. Our study documents a fixed mobility behaviour of an adult mammoth some 10,000 years before the Last Glacial Maximum.

Mammoth bone collecting as a traditional occupation of the indigenous population of the East Siberian Arctic (17th — early 20th c.)

The paper is concerned with the history of collecting and trade of fossil mammoth bones as a traditional occupa-tion of the indigenous population of the East Siberian Arctic in the 17th — early 20th c. For a long time the indigenous peoples of the North practiced individual collecting, incidental in the course of hunting, of fossil bones for their house-hold needs. Meanwhile, archaic ideas about the mammoth as a sacred chthonic animal served as a regulator of eco-logical balance of the traditional nature management, introducing constraints on the scope of the search and size of the spoils. Starting from the 17th c., the search for and quarry of fossil bone are most closely connected with the history of the colonization and exploration of the Arctic regions of Eastern Siberia by Russian pioneers. In the context of the de-velopment of commodity-money relations on the sea islands, artels were formed from among the northern Yakuts and Russian Arctic old-settlers, supplying tusk to the merchants who traded in furs and mammoth tusks. The extraction of fossil mammoth bones reached its peak in the middle of the 19th c., when the “Russian, or Moscow ivory” was current on the world market as the fifth grade, with the total assortment of six grades. At the turn of the 19th–20th cc. the mam-moth ivory industry in Yakutia was experiencing a crisis; the demand for the products of mammoth ivory within the coun-try was decreasing, merchants could not find markets, and ivory harvesting in Africa increased. However, despite these factors, this occupation preserved in places until the 1930s. In the modern conditions of the development of the Arctic, inclusion of collection and extraction of mammoth tusks in the list of traditional economic activities will help to solve economic and legal problems in this region in the interests of the indigenous population.

Improved discrimination of biogenic and diagenetic elements in Palaeolithic mammoth ivory and bone from Hohle Fels Cave in the Swabian Jura of Southwestern Germany

Mammoth ivory was used by humans to manufacture personal ornaments, sculptures or music instruments during the Upper Palaeolithic. These objects are among the first and most precious witnesses of ancient artistic behaviour. Archaeological ivory, however, has been subjected to complex alteration processes due to exchange with its burial environment over time. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diagenetic phenomena in order to develop adequate conservation measures for ivory artefacts. The element-analytical study of ivory artefacts can shed light on these processes and can help to track the origin of these objects.In this work we studied twelve mammoth ivory samples and ten bone samples coming from the Palaeolithic site Hohle Fels located in the Swabian Jura. Mammoth bone samples were included in the study in order to find eventual differences in the diagenetic changes between ivory and bone material. We performed ion beam analysis (PIXE/PIGE) at the microfocus beamline of the accelerator NewAGLAE at C2RMF and micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mappings at the PUMA beamline at synchrotron SOLEIL. The obtained PIXE/PIGE results are consistent with previous studies of ivories from Hohle Fels and other contemporaneous European sites in terms of possible site-specific (Zn, Br, Sr contents) and diagenetic markers (F content). XRF mappings and their semi-quantitative analyses confirm former observations and provide additional criteria for the classification of endogenous and exogenous elements. Based on our results we could not find significant difference in the diagenetic alterations between archaeological ivory and bone samples for the studied archaeological site.

An integrative paleobiological study of woolly mammoths from the Upper Paleolithic site Kostenki 14 (European Russia)

This paper presents a thought-out protocol for an integrative analysis of woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) bone accumulation in the upper (I) cultural layer of the famous Upper Paleolithic site Kostenki 14 (Markina gora) using Haynes’ concept of a “demographic health measure,” the advanced concept of the “last glacial body size decrease,” and precise taphonomic analysis. We apply linear regression analysis to further reveal the complex structure of mammoth size variation, complementary to univariate measures of body size used in previous studies: body size variation in woolly mammoths is predominantly accounted for by sexual dimorphism, size differences between smaller “East” and larger “West” mammoth populations, and two types of allometry (ontogenetic and static). Our analysis indicated natural formation of the bone assemblage in the cultural layer I at the Kostenki 14 site: this formation is based on the L-shaped age-sex profile obtained via depositional-time averaging of recurring nonselective death events, also confirmed by the taphonomic analysis. Our results suggest that the mammoth bone assemblage accumulated under local conditions of varying moisture in deposits at a mammoth watering place. We can hypothesize relatively long-term inhabitation of this area by mammoths and permanent visitation of the site featuring an available source of water (a spring) and possibly salt.

Сезонная динамика охоты на мамонта: почему, когда, как

Introduction. Mammoth hunting is usually considered permanent. However, herds of mammoths and lonely male performed annual submeridional seasonal migrations with a length of up to 500- 600 km. Therefore, due to the relative settled population in the upper paleolithic, the annual period of mammoth hunting was in this case very brief, fitting in two short intervals in the spring and autumn - the passage of the valley controlled by the hunters of several family groups. Materials and methods. According to M. V. Sablin, about the age of killing the mammoth's cubs, two seasons of hunting in the Middle Desna are reconstructed for the sites of Yudinovo and Eliseevichi, approximately in May and October. Results. Hunting did not have the nature of the kill of a whole herd or its significant part. Only separate animals were seized. If we allow the similarity of hunting strategies, this indirectly confirms the isotopic analysis of the mammoth bones in the parking lots of hunters on the large proboscidean (Clovis) in North America. They could beat the beast on the ―established‖ migration path, possibly on a migration trek across the river. The seasonal rhythm of the Eastern Magdalenian hunters in the mammoth was inherited in our opinion for the hunters of reindeer in the final Paleolithic, genetically connected with the Eastern Magdalen. Conclusion. The author comes to the conclusion that with the onset of sharp climatic fluctuations and a hydrological catastrophe associated with the melting of permafrost and the concomitant degradation of the feeding landscape and the possibilities of free movement along it, the migration routes of mammoth herds should have shifted noticeably to the north, following the retreating periglacial zone. Following the mammoths, a population specialized in hunting these animals should have followed. The descendants of this population – reindeer hunters of the final Paleolithic - inherited the seasonal rhythm and strategy of the previous mammoth hunt, transferring them to a new migrating hunting object. Their spring and autumn settlements also formed along the migration routes of reindeer, where many crossed large rivers during their migrations to winter and summer pastures.

СТРУКТУРНЫЕ И МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ БИВНЕЙ ШЕРСТИСТОГО МАМОНТА MAMMUTHUS PRIMIGENIUS: ОБЗОР РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ

The paper provides an overview of research on the morphological and structural differences between the tusks of the woolly mammoth Mammuthus primigenius (Blumenbach, 1799) and modern elephants, namely: the African one Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach, 1797) and the Asian (Indian) one Elephas maximus (Linnaeus, 1758). Differences in ivory between females and males of these proboscises are described. Features of the fossil mammoth bone in comparison with other ivory are shown. The results of our studies of the ivory structure of M. primigenius and L. africana are presented. The chemical composition of mammoth tusk dentin as a three-phase composite material is considered. The relationship between the structure of M. primigenius and L. africana tusks and their mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, bending strength, work of fracture, compression modulus, and Vickers hardness) in the transversal and longitudinal orientation is shown. In particular, the prospects of exploring the structure and morphology of M. primigenius ivory are noted

Fossil molluscan shells and polychaeta tubes from the Yudinovo and Eliseevichi Upper Paleolithic settlements of: taxonomy, possibilities of palaeogeographical and archaeological reconstructions

In the article we presents the results of the study of the mollusks and polychaetes remains collected during more than 80 years of excavations of the Yudinovo and Eliseevichi 1 Upper Paleolithic settlements (Dnieper region). The Yudinovo and Eliseevichi 1 sites, located on the right bank of the Sudost’ River 45 km from each other are two large settlements with mammoth bone dwellings. The sites belonging to different cultural traditions have been excavated over a large area. The analysis of 238 fossil invertebrate samples revealed the presence of mollusks shells from 33 genera and calcareous tubes of at least 1 genus of polychaete worms. Overall 26 taxa have been reliably determined at the species level. Among them are representatives of marine, brackish-water, freshwater and terrestrial animals — mainly gastropods (20 species), less frequently bivalves (5 species) mollusks, and one species of polychaetes. The shells of non local genera used by the Yudinovos settlement inhabitants as decoration include Nucula, Cerastoderma, Steromphala, Tritia, Cerithium and Melarhaphe. These shells were most likely brought to the settlement from the northwestern coast of Black Sea. The material from the Eliseevichi 1 settlement consists mainly of processed fragments of calcareous polychaet’s tubes, most likely originating from Cretaceous deposits in the Podeseniye region. The Eliseevichi shell set differs sharply from the Yudinovo one consisting of isolated shells of Theodoxus fluviatilis, whose origin is difficult to determine. They could be either collected in nearby rivers contemporary to this settlement and or they could be associated with culturally and temporally different horizon of the cultural layer of the Eliseevichi 1 settlement.

Comparative Study of the Mineralogy and Chemistry Properties of Elephant Bones: Implications during Diagenesis Processes

Elephants are currently the largest terrestrial mammals, along with their extinct ancestor the mammoth. These species are of great interest due to their geographic distribution and ecological importance. However, the bone mineral characteristics of their skeleton as well as their alteration during burial processes over millions of years have been poorly investigated. In the current research, we analyzed the compositional and structural mineral properties of different types (i.e., long and flat bones) of elephant and mammoth bones. For this purpose, we performed a comparative study between these bone types using complementary analytical techniques based on X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopic analysis. The chemical composition of the samples shows a relative loss of a considerable percentage of water and organic matter components for the fossilized bone, accompanied by a higher bone mineralization degree and the presence of other crystalline phases (i.e., calcite and pyrite) related to a certain degree of diagenesis alteration. Our results also show a variation in the crystalline properties of mammoth bone related to the recrystallization process during the dissolution–precipitation transformation through diagenetic burial. This research provides relevant information for understanding the mineral properties of different types of bones and their possible changes during diagenesis.

Lost bones: In search of Wesley Hurt’s Mammoth, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument’s Quarai Unit, central New Mexico

ABSTRACTIn 1939, road construction that took place in the Quarai Unit of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in central New Mexico unearthed an Ice Age megafauna skeleton (herein referred to as “the Hurt Mammoth”). Photographs taken at the time show skeletal remains belonging to a proboscidean, possibly a mammoth. Archaeologist Wesley Hurt removed several of these bones from the road cut, placed them into plaster field jackets, and removed them from the site. Since then, however, a statewide search of museum collections has failed to locate the bones removed during Hurt’s excavation. In addition, the exact location of the purported mammoth remains in the field is no longer known, but has remained of interest. Using historic landscape photographs and field notes from Hurt’s private collection, it has been possible to determine the approximate location of Hurt’s mammoth discovery. However, it remained unclear if the remaining road-cut stratigraphy contained any additional bones that may have been left behind after the original 1939–1940 excavation. So, a testing project was conducted to determine whether additional skeletal remains of the Hurt Mammoth were still present in the road cut. Although no mammoth bones were recovered during the project, findings from the associated analyses can now make a compelling argument for the approximate stratigraphic provenance and terminal Pleistocene age (22,930–12,560 calibrated years before present) for the lost proboscidean bones.

К вопросу о возможности детерминации добычи ископаемой мамонтовой кости как традиционного природопользования

This article is devoted to solving the question of whether it is possible to consider the extraction of mammoth bone as one of the types of traditional nature management of the indigenous peoples of the North. The solution to the problem is considered on the part of three criteria — the formation of a tradition of economic activity within an ethnic group, the focus of economic activity on use for their own needs, a balanced approach ensuring sustainable environmental management. As a result, the author concludes that the extraction of mammoth bone is a type of activity that cannot be called fully consistent with the criteria for traditional nature management. At the same time, in the article, the author proposes to consider broader the concept of traditional nature management in the modern capitalist world, supplementing it with a view from the world-system analysis of the dichotomy of traditional and capitalist society.

Особенности формирования поселенческой структуры верхнепалеолитической стоянки Юдиново по материалам археологических и геохимических исследований 2015—2018 гг.

This article presents the results of recent archaeological and geochemical studies at the Late Palaeolithic site of Yudinivo. The reported research was focused on the area with dwelling No. 5, a large pit with mammoth bones on its bottom and an ash damp. The micro-stratigraphy of the cultural layer makes it possible to identify a number of stages in the life history of large household constructions. It has been established that an ash damp was formed first, while dwelling of mammoth bones was erected somewhat later and simultaneously a large pit was dug with large mammoth bones laid on its bottom. The pit and the dwelling appear to have been constructed at the same time and used synchronously with the ash damp. The geochemical analysis of the deposits above the ash damp and the pit, as well as in the filling of the latter, show that the cultural layer formed during an extremely long period of time with long intervals. One can distinguish at least four episodes corresponding to different climatic conditions. Two of these episodes are characterized by a high anthropogenic load, indicating that the site occupation was particularly active 17100—15000 cal. BP and 14000—13200 cal. BP.