Annotation of the results obtained in 2019
The research project "The interaction of humans and nature in ancient times in the Central Caucasus: dynamics of environmental changes and technological innovations, adaptations of life support systems" is aimed to the study of multi-layered sites of the Paleolithic era. In 2019-2020, the research team of the project continued interdisciplinary research at Saradj-Chuko grotto – the only known site which contains multi-layered deposits from Late Pleistocene to Holocene in the Elbrus region, in the central part of the Northern Caucasus. The grotto is oriented to the south-east and has the area more than 300 sq. m. In 2019, archaeological excavation was carried in Saradj-Chuko grotto, deposits on the area of 10 sq.m. were studied, and the site's stratigraphy was described. The archaeological collection from 2019 excavation includes 5,860 artifacts, as well as 11,707 bone fragments. In the stratigraphic sequence of 2019 excavation, there were identified seven layers, three of which (layers 3, 6A and 6B, from top to bottom) belong to the Middle Paleolithic period. A technical and typological analysis of the Middle Paleolithic lithic industries (Doronicheva E.V. and Nedomolkin A.G.) from the 2019 excavation was carried out. The Saradj-Chuko grotto yielded the only Mousterian obsidian industries known in the Northern Caucasus. The absolute majority of lithics are made from this raw material. According to analyses conducted on samples from Saradj-Chuko grotto and obsidian sources, the obsidian originates from the Zayukovo source located 5-7 km from the site. Also, ancient humans used local chalky flint from various sources (up to 7 km from the grotto). At least three flint sources that were exploited at Saradj-Chuko grotto were identified. To date, layer 6B is the most rich level (on average, about 295 lithics per square meter, with the layer thickness of 20-30 cm). Based on the analyses performed, we can conclude that there was an active human habitation of the Saradj-Chuko grotto in layer 6B. Micro-stratigraphic and planigraphic analyses of layer 6B show that stone artifacts and animal bones occur on the same level within layer 6B. The main part of both artifacts and bone fragments is confined to the lower part of layer 6B. In layer 6B at Saradj-Chuko grotto, Neanderthals were engaged in intensive knapping of obsidian raw material and using obsidian tools for butchering and consuming hunting prey. Gregarious ungulate animals were the object of their hunt. A tracological analysis (G.N. Poplevko) suggests a fairly wide range of economic activities of ancient humans at the site – besides the production of hunting weapons (spearheads), also processing of wood, bone and horn, as well as skins was performed here. Based on the analysis, several activity zones within the habitation area studied can be distinguished: the first zone is associated with hunting prey (spearheads), the second - with butchering (meat knives) and the third - with processing skins (perforators). The main economic activity is related to squares R-S-9-14, where two hearths and most of the archaeological and faunal materials were recorded. It is here that the main part of cores, flakes, tools, as well as small debitage was found. For the overlying layer 6A, only preliminary results are available. On average, there are only 14.5 lithics including small debris per square meter in layer 6A. Microstratigraphic and planigraphic analyses show a scattered occurrence of archaeological and faunal materials in layer 6A. A small number of lithics originates from the latest Mousterian layer 3. On average, there are only 2.2 artifacts per square meter in layer 3. The largest number of lithics was found on the grid line R, in squares R-9-10 and R-14-15. The general characteristics of layer 3 – absence of hearths, a small number of artifacts, and a relatively scattered occurrence of finds – indicate only occasional visits of ancient humans during this period to Saradj-Chuko grotto. The multidisciplinary research conducted allows us to conclude quite reasonably about deterioration of environmental conditions in the region, which probably caused the rare visits of Neanderthals to Saradj-Chuko grotto in the later stages. In 2019, the study of volcanic ashes in the deposits of Saradj-Chuko grotto, which was started earlier (in 2017-2018), was continued. After analyzing the composition of volcanic ashes (A.S. Korzinova and V.A. Tsel'movich), it was found that some ilmenite grains from the lower part of layer 6A contain up to 2.42 weight % of V and up to 2.18 weight % of Cr, and lack admixture of Mn and Mg, which may indicate that the grains are the pyroclastic material brought from outside. Based on comparison of the composition of ashes and ilmenite particles found in layer 6A in Saradj-Chuko grotto with published data, one can assume that their sources were eruptions of pyroclastic materials of dacite composition in Elbrus or Kazbek. Saradj-Chuko grotto falls within the zone of overlapping the pyroclastic materials from both these volcanoes. The volcanic eruptions significantly affected the climate and worsened the living conditions of ancient humans in the Elbrus region. A paleontological analysis also confirms that environmental conditions deteriorated in the region in the later periods of Neanderthal habitation in Saradj-Chuko grotto. The faunal collection from 2019 excavation comprises 11,707 bone fragments, including numerous small bone fragments from wet-sieving and rodent bones. A database was made for the overall collection obtained (A.G. Nedomolkin and E.V. Doronicheva). Definitions of faunal remains from the 2019 excavation at Saradj-Chuko grotto were provided by Yu.N. Spasovskiy, a researcher of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve named after H.G. Shaposhnikov. Like the previous excavation, Layer 6B is the richest level in terms of fauna. The remains of mountain tur prevailed (60%), followed by bison (13%), red deer (10%; Fig. 184 – 2, 3) and roe deer (10%). The proportion of other ungulate or carnivore species was 1% or less. It is noteworthy that a fragment of forest cat (Felis silvestris) canine was found in layer 6B. In this site, this species was found for the first time. Given the current range of this predator, which is confined to the forest belt, and the composition of the rest animal species identified in this layer, one can assume that the cave at that time was located on the border of the forest belt and high-altitude meadow belt, in moderately warm climatic conditions, or that this border was located relatively close to the site. In the overlying layer 6A, the identified faunal remains showed a complete dominance of mountain tur (92%), while the proportion of other ungulate and carnivore species averaged 1-2%. The general composition of large ungulate and carnivore species in layer 6A is almost identical to layer 3. Based on the composition of identified animal remains, one can assume that at that time the grotto was located in the belt of alpine meadows or steppes, as this is evidenced by the presence of a significant number of the mountain tur remains. Among small vertebrates in layer 3, the remains of hare, marmot, gopher and loir were found, and a single tooth of mole rat (Spalax sp.) was recorded for the first time. The most numerous among them were scattered teeth of voles, as well as the number of gopher teeth also increased. These species also confirm the assumption that alpine meadows or steppes were present of in the vicinity of the grotto during formation of layer 3. In order to reconstruct changes in paleoclimate and vegetation cover, samples for spore-pollen analysis have been collected. During the 2019 field season, it was decided to test additionally the section ZQ19 at Saradj-Chuko grotto, from which samples have been taken in 2017. However, we decided to collect the new samples more fractionally in order to obtain the palynological material providing the greater reliability of correlations and more detailing of the paleogeographic situation during the existence of ancient cultures. Palynological studies also indicate a gradual deterioration of the climate in the region. In 2019-2020, a great emphasis was placed on conducting radiometric dating of the Saradj-Chuko grotto's deposits. Several dating methods were used, including radiocarbon, ESR, and OSL. In 2019, a comprehensive research has been started in a new site discovered by our group in 2018 - the Psytuaje rockshelter, which is located in the Fanduko river valley about 2.5 km upstream from Saradj-Chuko grotto. The rockshelter is oriented to the sunny south-eastern direction. In 2019, the 2018 test pit at Psytuaje rockshelter was expanded to the excavation area of approx. 4 sq. m. In the stratigraphic sequence of deposits, 6 layers have been identified. The final Paleolithic cultural horizon was studied in layer 2. As a result of the research, the archaeological collection comprising 612 stone artifacts and 1265 bone fragments was obtained. A geomorphological study of the Psytuaje rockshelter area was conducted in 2019-2020 by Prof. S.A. Nesmeyanov. As a result, it was determined that this low-mountain territory studied is characterized by relatively smoothed watersheds, wide developed valleys of large rivers (Baksan River), and narrow and rocky valleys of small rivers, including the Fanduko river, in which Psytuaje rockshelter is located. In terms of the neotectonic structural plan, the rockshelter sits on the north-eastern slope of the central part of the Greater Caucasus mega-ridge, within the Chegem structural step that separates the uplifting Skalistyi ridge and the regional Nalchik flexura. The Psytuaje rockshelter is located on the left bank of the latitudinal segment of the Fanduko valley, 18 m above the riverbed. It represents a relatively small oval grotto in a vertical rock. Its maximum size, taking into account the destroyed base, is 25 x 10 m. The morphology of this rockshelter is most likely similar to an erosional depression within the rocky slope of the Fanduko valley. Therefore, the formation of this rockshelter was likely connected with formation of the bottom of one of erosional cuts of the Fanduko river. A local network of geomorphological profiles for the research area was built by the project participant A.A. Muryi. To clarify the position of Psytuaje rockshelter, isogypses (isolines) were constructed in intervals of 20 m and 5 m, based on a digital terrain model of the area. According to the updated digital terrain model and taking into account the network of elementary river basins in the area, the network of local geomorphological profiles for the study area was supplemented with the L6 profile. The L6 profile extends from the regional profile XVII in the north, crosses the Chegem river valley in its middle course, and ends at the L4 profile. Microstratigraphic and planigraphic analyses for layer 2 have been performed by E.V. Doronicheva and A.G. Nedomolkin using a special method of automated construction of microfiles and plans. The microprofiles clearly show the main concentration of finds is confined to the upper part (upper 10 cm) of layer 2. On plan and microfiles, it is clearly visible that stone artifacts lie among bones. The main concentration of stone artifacts is associated with squares C-10-11, most of them are blades and flake fragments. All cores and tools were found at the same area. Several laminar flkes and one core were connected using refitting. The faunal collection is mainly represented by small or highly fragmented bone fragments. Only 131 fragments were used for species identification, of which only 17 bones from 6 taxa were identified to the genus or species. Almost all identified animals belong to widespread mesophilic Caucasian species that are present in the modern fauna of the Caucasus. Thus, we can argue that climate conditions during that period were simiar to modern climate. In 2020, the second radiocarbon date of 11810 ± 320 cal BP (LU-9702) was obtained on bone at Saint Petersburg state University for layer 2 at Psytuaje rockshelter. To date, only a few Epipaleolithic sites are known in the Central Caucasus. They include Sosruko and Badynoko rockshelters in the Baksan river valley. Therefore, the discovery of Psytuaje rockshelter with preserved cultural layer dating to the end of Epipaleolithic, located in the interfluve between Baksan and Chegem major rivers is very promising. An important task of future research is to expand the excavation, study the site's planigraphy, technical and typological features of the lithic industry, and traceological analysis to determine economic specialization of human population that inhabited Psytuaje rockshelter at the very end of the Paleolithic era. In the third year of the project, according to the research plan, our research team prepared and published a collective monograph with the results of a comprehensive 2017-2019 research in Saradj-Chuko grotto – the oldest site in Kabardino-Balkaria republic and the entire Elbrus region. The results of the study and reconstruction of paleoclimate, paleolandscape, hunting and raw material strategies of the Middle Paleolithic people are reported. A special attention is paid to the development of local features in the material culture during the Middle Paleolithic period in this region, issues of interregional contacts byf Neanderthals, as well as the impact of climate changes and volcanic eruptions on human settlement of the Elbrus region. 1 - Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Muryi A.A., Poplevko G.N., Ivanov V.V., Korzinova A.S., Tselmovich V.A., Blackwell B.A.B., Kazi M.F., Huang K.L.K., Singh I.K.S., Volkov M.A., Tregub T.F., Shackley M.S., Spasovskiy Yu.N. Saradj-Chuko Grotto in the Elbrus region (Results of interdisciplinary research in 2017-2019). Saint Petersburg: RIPOL classic Publishing, 2020. (In Russian with summary in English) The research results are also published in a series of articles: 2 - Doronicheva E., Golovanova L., Doronichev V., Nedomolkin A., Shirobokov I., Shackley S.M., Petrov A., Maksimov F. 2020. Psytuaje rockshelter – A new site documenting the final of the Epipalaeolithic in the north-central Caucasus, Russia. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 29: 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102186 SJR 2018 0.91 Scopus, WOS, Q1. 3 - Tselmovich V.A., Korzinova A.S., Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B. 2019. Volcanism and Settlement of the Northern Slope of the Central Caucasus in the Middle Paleolithic: New Data from Saradj-Chuko Grotto. Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics, Vol. 55, No. 11, pp. 1667–1679. DOI: 10.1134/S0001433819110161; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S0001433819110161 (In Russian and English) Scopus, RISC. 4 - Doronicheva E.V., Nedomolkin A.G., Kulkova M.A., Odinokova E.V. 2018. Creating a reference collection of flint raw materials of the Central Caucasus. Eurasia in the Cenozoic. Stratigraphy, paleoecology, cultures. Issue 7, pp. 95-103. (In Russian) RISC The articles accepted for publication in the third year of the project: 1 - Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Doronicheva E.V., Tregub T.F., Volkov M.A., Spasovskiy Yu.N., Petrov A.Yu., Maksimov F.E. Dynamique du climat et du peuplement du Nord-Central du Caucase au tournant du Pléistocène et de l'Holocène. L’Anthropologie. (In French) RISC, WAK, Scopus 2 - Doronicheva E.V., Poplevko G.N., Ivanov V.V. Organization of residential space and economic activity in the Middle Paleolithic site at Saradj-Chuko grotto (based on the materials of layer 6B). Povolzkaya Arkheologiya. (In Russian) RISC, WAK, Scopus. 3 - Tselmovitch V.A., Korzinova A.S., Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B. MINERAL COMPOSITION FEATURES OF THE SEDIMENTS AT THE SARADJ-CHUKO GROTTO // Minerals: Structure, Properties, Methods of Investigation (2020 г.). WOS, RISC. According to the results of research in the third year of the project, the research plan was fully completed by the project participants. Participation in conferences. The project participants made 5 presentations in 3 conferences, including an international conference in Hungary (Budapest).

 

Publications

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Annotation of the results obtained in 2017
In 2017-2018, the research team of the project began an interdisciplinary research of the only site known in the Elbrus region, in the central part of the Northern Caucasus, which includes multilayered sediments dating from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene. The site, Saradj-Chuko grotto is confined to an extrusive dome formed in an ignimbrite rock mass. This is the first cave site of this type, which is found in the Caucasus. The cave is oriented to the south-east and has the area of over 300 sq. m. In 2017, archaeological excavations were carried out in Saradj-Chuko grotto on the area of about 8 sq. m. Archaeological materials from the upper layers 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C include fragments of ceramics, which are dated back to the Medieval period. Artefacts are absent in layers 2 and 4. Isolated stone artefacts were found in layers 3 and 5. The assemblage from layer 6A includes 73 pieces, comprising flakes (6) and laminar flakes (3). One tool is represented by a fragment of side scraper. The layer 6A materials can be dated preliminary to the Middle Palaeolithic period. At present the most rich in artefacts (about 200 arefacts per sq. m., with the thickness of 20 cm) is layer 6; this allows us to make a conclusion that the cave was actively occupied during formation of this layer. The assemblage from 2017 excavation of layer 6B includes 1591 pieces. The vast majority (98%) of artefacts are made of obsidian. A preliminary conclusion about the flaking technique is based on the analysis of cores (0,8%) and flakes (18,4%). Unifacial, one-platform cores prevail. The flaking was carried out mainly in parallel direction from slightly convex surfaces. Laminar flakes are numerous(35,2%), although blades (5,5%) and triangular Levallois flakes (3,1%) are rare. Flakes with unidirectional negatives are represented by a large series (27%). Facetted striking platforms are most numerous (46,3%). In the assemblage from layer 6B, 42 (2,6%) retouched tools were defined. A large number of chips (609 pieces, 38,2%) suggests that most of the tools were retouched inside the cave. Side scrapers prevail (10 pieces) among definable tools. Diagonal (3), convergent (3), angular (2) scrapers, and one double scraper were also identified. Tools with thinning retouch (3 convergent tools and scraper with a back) were defined. One Mousterian point was also found in layer 6B. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of stone raw materials allowed to obtain the first data about flint sources, which were used by inhabitants of Saradj-Chuko grotto. The analyses point to a local origin of flint from Hana-Haku-1, Shtauchukua-1 and Kamenka sources located at the distance of 5-7 km from the site. The composition of artefacts made from flint indicates that ready to use tools and flakes were delivered to the site. Most artefacts in the layer 6B industry are made of obsidian from Zayukovo source located 6-7 km away. Analysis of faunal remains from layer 6B suggests that the cave was located in the upper forest boundary and in moderate humid environments. In layer 6A, 5 horizons were identified. According to faunal data, environments characteristic to the upper forest boundary - steppe dry grasslands bordered with sparse growth woodlands (hor. 1), or alternated with alpine meadows (hor. 2), or bordered with the upper forest boundary (hor. 3), or with dry alpine meadows (hor. 4), or with the upper forest boundary and steppe meadows (hor. 5) - existed during this period. During formation of layer 5, environmental and climatic conditions corresponded to high-mountain steppe meadows. In layer 4, there were mountain forest conditions and moderately humid climate. In layer 3, it can be assumed that climatic conditions were close to alpine and quite dry. In layer 2, the conditions were warmer than at present. In layers 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C species typical to modern fauna of the region were found. Palinological studies of sediments in Saradj-Chuko grotto allowed to identify and characterize stages of vegetation development in the area of the site. The first stage defined in layer 7 and the lower level of layer 6B is characterized by pollen zone I. The spectrum indicates afforestation of the cave surroundings. The forests had beech-oak-elm composition with undergrowth from hazel. There are noted single relict species currently growing in subtropical climate (hickory, canadian hemlock, magnolia, ephedra). Pollen zone II (layer 6, middle part) is arbitrary defined at this stage of research, as samples were loosely filled with microfossils. This could be a reflection of cooling. In pollen zone III (layer 6B, upper part), oak-hornbeam forests with undergrowth of hazel and hornbeam on slopes were developed. Pollen zone IV (top of layer 6B) is confined to a cooling phase. Pollen zone V (layer 6A) reflects a warm interval. In pollen zone VI (top of layer 6A, layer 5, bottom of layer 4), the composition of vegetation indicates cool climatic conditions. In pollen zone VII (layer 4, bottom of layer 3), predominance of small-leaved tree species (birch and alder) is noted first and then the spectrum indicates climate warming and increase of humidity. Pollen zone VIII comprises subzones VIIIa (layer 3) and VIIIb (Holocene layers 1 and 2). The climate was moderately warm and humid. The study of deposits by the method of micro-probe analysis and electron microscopic photography allowed to detect presence of tephra (ash) in many samples. The highest amount of volcanic particles was noted in layer 6. Zones, which are characterized mainly by glacial (layer 7) or humid (layers 2, 6) type of lithogenesis, were defined. Nonclimatic (volcanogenic-sedimentary) type of lithogenesis is noted in some layers. The ratio of Na2O/K2O = 1 suggests that this ash is supposedly associated with the Elbrus volcano. In the first year of the project, 6 radiocarbon dates were received. For bottom of layer 6 two dates (SpB-2613 and SpB-2616) indicate the age of >40 000 yr BP. This shows that the age of layer 6B lies beyond the limit of radiocarbon dating, and other methods of absolute dating should be used for the Middle Palaeolithic sediments of Saradj-Chuko grotto. Dates obtained for layers 6A, 5, and 3 require additional verification. The date of 2044 ± 30 yr BP (SpB-2536) obtained for layer 1В is consistent with the archaeological material. As the result of 2017 research in Saradj-Chuko grotto a complex history of sediment formation was established. Given the absolute elevation (above sea level, asl) of Saradj-Chuko grotto (940 m asl), it can be noted that in other Middle Palaeolithic sites in the Northern Caucasus, which have similar elevations, such as Matuzka cave (720 m asl; Golovanova et al., 2006) and Weasel cave (1125 m asl; Hidjrati et al., 2010), conditions of broad-leaved forests with a wide variety of exotics are identified only in layers that are correlated with phases of the interglacial oxygen-isotopic stage 5. In Matuzka cave only in the earliest layers (dated to stages 5e–5a) there was extensive development of forests with a high content of exotics, among which there were represented walnut, chestnut, and hickory defined in layer 6B of Saradj-Chuko grotto. Based on these comparative data, the age of layer 6B in Saradj-Chuko grotto can be preliminary determined from stage 5e to stage 5a, in the interval from 120 to 70 kyr ago. The techno-typological characteristics of the industry from layer 6B allow to characterize it as Levallois-laminar Mousterian, which is similar to the Mousterian assemblages of the North-Eastern and Southern Caucasus. The Elbrus area – region where it is located the only obsidian source in the Northern Caucasus – attracted the ancient man, being a contact zone of different cultural traditions. Publications: 1. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Kulkova M.A., Odinokova E.V., Shackley M.S. Nouvelles données sur l'utilisation des matières premières lithiques et la mobilité pendant le Paléolithique moyen du Caucase du Nord. // L'Anthropologie. 2018. RISC, Scopus, WOS, Q1. Impact Factor: 0,787. Accepted for publication. 2. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Spasovskiy Yu.N., Kulkova M.A., Odinokova E.V., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Muriy A.A., Tregub T.F., Volkov M.A., Shirobokov I.G., Tselmovitch V.A., Korzinova A.S. Nouveau site du Paléolithique Moyen dans le Caucase Central (resultats preliminares des études complexes). // L'Anthropologie. 2018. RISC, Scopus, WOS, Q1. Impact Factor: 0,787. Accepted for publication. 3. Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Doronicheva E.V. New data on the Palaeolithic of the Elbrus region. // Russian Archaeology. RISC. Submitted, under review. 4. Shackley M.S., Doronicheva E.V., Doronichev V.B., Golovanova L.V., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Muriy A.A. The Zayukovo (Baksan) Archaeological obsidian source, Greater Caucasus, Russia. // Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. RISC, Scopus, WOS, Q1. Impact Factor: 0,54. Submitted, under review. 5. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Korzinova A.S., Tselmovitch V.A., Kulkova M.A., Odinokova E.V. Shirobokov I.G., Ivanov V.V., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Muriy A.A., Tregub T.F., Volkov M.A., Shackley M.S., Spasovskiy Yu.N. The first laminar Mousterian obsidian industry in the north-central Caucasus, Russia (preliminary results of a multi-disciplinary research at Saradj-Chuko Grotto) // Archaeological Research in Asia. Scopus, WOS, Q1. Impact Factor: 0.679. Submitted, under review. 6. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Shackley M.S., Nedomolkin A.G. At the crossroads: new data about exploitation of the Zayukovo (Baksan) obsidian source in Northern Caucasus during the Paleolithic // Antiquity. RISC, Scopus, WOS, Q1. Impact Factor: 1,536. Submitted, under review. 7. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Kulkova M.A., Shackley M.S., Muriy A.A., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Korzinova A.S. Saradj-Chuko Grotto – the first stratified Middle Palaeolithic site in the Elbrus region (preliminary data) // Proceedings of the Vth (XXIst) all–Russian archaeological congress in Barnaul-Belokurikha: collection of scientific articles / eds., Derevianko A.P, Tishkin A.A. – Barnaul: Altai university press, 2017. p. 30-34. Published. Conference theses: 1. Doronicheva E.V. Multidisciplinary research in Saradj-Chuko Grotto, Central Caucasus // Actual Archaeology-4. Multidisciplinary researche in archaeology. Theses of international scientific conference of young scholars (St. Petersburg, April 2-5, 2018). Saint-Petersburg: IIMK RAN, 2018. p. 61-63. RISC Published. 2. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B. Neanderthal occupation patterns and landscape use during the Middle Paleolithic in Central Caucasus. // Abstracts of the XVIIIe World UISPP Congress. 4-9 Juin 2018. Paris. Published at https://uispp2018.sciencesconf.org/180118/document 3. Doronicheva E., Shackley M.S., Kulkova M., Odinokova E. Procurement and exploitation of lithic raw materials in the Paleolithic of the Central Caucasus. // Abstracts of the XVIIIe World UISPP Congress. 4-9 Juin 2018. Paris. Published at https://uispp2018.sciencesconf.org/180146/document Conferences: 1. The Vth (XXIst) all–Russian archaeological congress (1-8.10.2017), Barnaul-Belokurikha. Oral report: Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Kulkova M.A. «Discovery of the first stratified Middle Palaeolithic site in the Central Caucasus» (Central Caucasus – a contact zone between Neanderthals of North-Eastern and North-Western Caucasus)». 2. International scientific conference "Man of the Stone Age, his material culture and environment" (The Vth Gerasimov Readings). Moscow (13-15.11.2017). Oral report: Doronicheva E.V. «Neanderthals and sapiens in the Caucasus: peculiarities of site organization». 3. International scientific conference of young scholars «Actual archaeology-4. Multidisciplinary research in archaeology". Saint-Petersburg (2-5.04.2018). Oral report: Doronicheva E.V. «Multidisciplinary research in Saradj-Chuko Grotto, Central Caucasus». 4. International scientific conference (XXX Krupnov readings) «Caucasus in the system of cultural relations of Eurasia in antiquity and the Middle Ages». Teberda (22-29.04.2018), Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Oral report: Doronicheva E.V. «Central Caucasus in the system of cultural relations in the Palaeolithic of Eurasia». 5. The VIIth International conference, devoted to the 100th anniversary of the Irkutsk University «Eurasia in Cenozoic. Stratigraphy. Paleoecology. Cultures». Listvianka-Irkutsk (14-17.05.2018). Poster: Doronicheva E.V., Nedomolkin A.G., Kulkova M.A., Odinokova E.V. «Creation of a reference collection of flint raw materials in the Central Caucasus». 6. The VIIIth «Anfimov readings» on archaeology of Western Caucasus. Anapa (29.05 – 01.06. 2018). Oral report: Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Shackley M.S. «Use of obsidian in the Palaeolithic of Caucasus». 7. The XVIIIth UISPP (International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences) World Congress. Paris, France (4-9.06.2018). Oral report: Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B. «Neanderthal occupation patterns and landscape use during the Middle Paleolithic in Central Caucasus». Oral report: Doronicheva E.V., Shackley M.S., Kulkova M., Odinokova E. «Procurement and exploitation of lithic raw materials in the Paleolithic of the Central Caucasus».

 

Publications

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Annotation of the results obtained in 2018
The research project "Human-nature interaction in the Central Caucasus: dynamics of environmental change and technological innovations, and subsistence strategies", supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation grant No. 17-78-20082, was initiated in 2017. The project is based on the study of stratified Palaeolithic sites in the Elbrus region, in the central part of the Northern Caucasus. In 2018-2019, the scientific crew of the project continued interdisciplinary research of Saradj-Chuko Grotto – the only known to date in the region multilayered Middle Palaeolithic site. Also, the crew undertook a test excavation in a new site – Psytuaje rockshelter – where an Epipalaeolithic layer was found. The area of Saradj-Chuko grotto is more than 300 sq. m. In 2018, archaeological excavation in the grotto was carried out on the area of 24 sq. m. The archaeological and fanal materials found in Saradj-Chuko grotto in 2018 include 4472 artifacts and 13720 bone fragments. To date, the most rich in artifacts (about 200 artifacts per sq. m.) is the Middle Palaeolithic layer 6B, in which an active habitation Neanderthal occupation is studied. The main concentration of artifacts in this layer is associated with two surface hearths that were excavated in areas located deeper in the cave. The 2018 lithic assemblage from layer 6B includes 4077 artifacts. The vast majority (98%) of artifacts are made of obsidian, including all cores, technical and primary flakes. The cores are dominated by unifacial single-platform cores. About 35% of flakes have cortex. Laminar flakes are numerous. Preliminary results of research indicate that knapping of obsidian was carried out by the direct percussion technique using soft stone hammers. The 2018 lithic assemblage from layer 6B includes 110 retouched tools. A large number of chips (N=1657) indicates that most of the tools were made inside the cave. About a half of the tools (58 pieces) are fragmented. Theg definable tools are dominated by simple side-scrapers and convergent tools (angular and convergent scrapers, and Mousterian points). Also, diagonal, transverse and double scrapers are abundant. The 2018 research shows that the technical-typological peculiarities of the assemblage from layer 6B allow to define the industry as the laminar Mousterian, which differs from the Eastern Micoquian industry widespread in the north-western Caucasus and is similar to the early Middle Palaeolithic assemblages from Weasel Cave located further east at the border with north-eastern Caucasus, Middle Palaeolithic sites in the Southern Caucasus (in Georgia) and Zagros Mousterian in the Lesser Caucasus (in Armenia and Azerbaijan) and in Zagros mountains (in Iran). The Neanderthals used Saradj-Chuko grotto as an active habitation site for consumption of ungulates, which they hunted, and production of tools from obsidian. The Saradj-Chuko industry is characterized by various methods of thinning of tools and especially the use of truncated-faceted method, which is associated with diagnostic types of tools in this industry: Mousterian points with thinned bases and scrapers with thinning, including scrapers with thinning from two or three platforms. In 2018, a use-wear (traceological) study of convergent tools from Saradj-Chuko grotto was conducted for the first time. This research allowed identifying traces indicating use of some of these tools made from obsidian as hunting weapon – spearheads, that are defined for the first time in the Middle Palaeolithic in the Caucasus. In addition, residues of organic resin were identified on some of these tools, indicating that the spearheads were mounted on shafts likely made of wood. In 2018, the study of the nearby Zayukovo (Baksan) obsidian source – the only source of obsidian known in the Northern Caucasus – was continued, as well as surveys of flint sources in the region were conducted. In the result, one new source of flint and one new outcrop of obsidian within the Zayukovo (Baksan) obsidian source area were discovered. The flint samples from flint sources and the Saradj-Chuko site were analyzed in thin sections and petrographic descriptions of the samples were made. In addition, we applied a new method of scanning electron microscopy, which allowed to clarify some petrographic characteristics of flint samples from various sources, that help to distinguish them from each other. Also, additional 6 samples of obsidian from archaeological sites – Saradj-Chuko grotto and Psytuaje rockshelter – were analyzed using the XRF analysis. Results of the XRF analysis indicates that all obsidianartefacts are made exclusively of obsidian originating from the Zayukovo source, located 6–7 to the west from Saradj-Chuko Grotto. The studies of flint and obsidian artifacts from Saradj-Chuko grotto show that the Neanderthals used exclusively local rocks, mostly obsidian from the Zayukovo source (6–7 to the west from the site) and also flint originating from sources located about 5–7 km to the north-west (Hana-Haku-1 and Shtauchukua-1) and south-east (Kamenka) from the site. The main result of geological and geomorphological research is the first neotectonic zoning of the territory and the establishment of its connection with the formation of river valleys in the region. These studies indicate that the geomorphology of the valley of a small Fanduko river, in which the Saradj-Chuko grotto is located, can be refined by comparison with the geomorphology of the nearby and well-studied valley of the Baksan river. The Saradj-Chuko area is located in the zone of articulation of the Greater Caucasus and the Terek-Caspian trough. In the are, river terraces are tectonically deformed. Accordingly, the geomorphological position of Saradj-Chuko grotto requires detailed studies taking into account neotectonic zoning. The newest results of our research on neotectonics and geomorphology of this region indicate that the Zayukovo (Baksan) obsidian source area is a downlifting zone, which we called the Zayukovo depression. This depression covers a wide (more than 10 km in maximum width) area limited with a system of local faults. The Zayukovo depression is limited by the Khara-Khora and Shitlyamyzh uplifting zones, forming northern and southern watersheds of the Baksan valley, respectively, a wide Nalchik flexura to east (downstream the Baksan River), and a narrow West-Zayukovo graben to the west (upstream the Baksan River). The highest watersheds in the region — the Khara-Khora mount area with a topographic mark of 1233.1 m asl, located on the left bank of the Baksan River, and the watershed between the Baksan and Fanduko rivers, with altitudes up to 1100–1300 m asl — are composed of the Upper Pliocene–Lower Pleistocene (end of the Pliocene–early Gelasian) volcanic rocks of the Lower Chegem formation, up to 250 m thick. These watershed areas are limited with a system of local faults. The Saradj-Chuko grotto is situated in a deep (up to 200 m), terraced and forested valley of the Fanduko (or Saradj-chuko) river (a small tributary of the Baksan river), 26 m above the river. The valley of Fanduko river cuts thru laparite lavas, ignimbrites, tuffs, and pebble alluviums of predominantly Pliocene age, which are replaced by Oligocene calcareous clays and marls downstream of the river. Preliminary results of geomorphological research suggest that formation of the Fanduko river valley most likely begun in the late Lower Pleistocene, between ca. 1.8—0.8 Ma. Saradj-Chuko grotto is formed in the massif of volcanic rocks that have silicic composition (ignimbrites), and this is the first cave site in ignimbrite discovered in the Caucasus. The volcanic rocks are represented mainly by tuffs, which lie in the form of lava flows and domeshaped structures. These dome-shaped structures represent extrusive domes (extrusions) of magmatic origin. The main part of sediments in Saradj-Chuko grotto is represented by two types of deposits having different origin and composition: 1) mainly clayish deposits of colluvial-eluvial origin and 2) colluvial (collapse) gravel material. Most of this clayish and gravel deposits were formed in the result of the desquamation destruction of the ceiling and walls of the grotto. Also, anthropogenic material played an important role in the formation of these sediments. It is also worthnoting the hydrogeological nature of a large crack (previously defined as layer 5), crossing the layers of normal cave stratigraphy (layers 2-6A), which was related to the movement of soluble material due to filtration of groundwaters. The accumulative floor of the grotto is composed of angular and slightly rounded fragments. These deposits are similar to weakly rounded alluvium. The structure and thickness of this alluvium, as well as the morphology of the bedrock floor of the grotto are not yet known. However, a high probability of the presence of large collapsed blocks inside the deposits in the buried state in the center of the grotto suggests both a significant thickness of the deposits and the presence of cultured layers older than those excavated in 2017-2018. The overall faunal assemblage from the 2018 excavations in Saradj-Chuko grotto includes 13,720 bone fragments, including numerous small bone fragments and rodent bones. Layer 6B produced the richest faunal remain. In 2018, a total of 1522 bone fragments, of which 312 were identified to species, were found in this layer. The ungulate species that are defined in layer 6B and each represented by several identifiable bones include the prevailing Caucasian goat (Сapra caucasica; 50%), followed by red deer (Cervus elaphus; 11,8%). Also, bison (Bison sp.), wild sheep (Ovis orientalis), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and rare horse (Equus caballus) and chamois were defined. Remains of predatory mammals are rare and include wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), and Mustelidae. Many definable bone fragments, in particular, representing definable remains of ungulates, show traces of thermal impact by fire. The evidence of fire impact and a significant fragmentation of bones indicate that the bone assemblage from layer 6B represents remains of animals that were hunted and consumed as food by the Neanderthals. In order to reconstruct changes of paleoclimate and vegetation cover, samples were selected for spore-pollen analysis. All spectra are characterized by absolute predominance of pollen of angiosperms. The tree angiosperms are dominated by pollen of hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), hazel (Corylus avellana), bear nut (Corylus colurna), which cover steep rocky slopes. The presence of small-leaved tree species – birch (Betila), alder (Alnus), aspen (Populus), and willow (Salix) – in combination with pollen of broad-leaved species – hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), elm (Ulmus), and linden (Tilia) – indicates the development of broad-leaved forests. Rare coniferous plants include pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea), fir (Abies), larch (Larix), and juniper (Juniperus). A comparison of pollen data from layer 6B in Saradj-Chuko grotto (940 masl) with other Middle Palaeolithic sites located in similar elevations and yielding a spectrum of deciduous forests in the Northern Caucasus, such as Matuzka cave (720 masl) in the north-western Caucasus (Golovanova et al., 2006) and Weasel Cave (1125 masl) in the eastern part of north-central Caucasus (Hidjrati et al., 2010), indicates that conditions of broad-leaved forests during the Middle Palaeolithic are typical only for layers corresponding to the interglacial MIS 5 in Matuzka and Weasel Cave. On the basis of these comparative data, we can tentatively define the age of layer 6B in Saradj-Chuko from the end of the interglacial optimum (MIS 5e) to the end of MIS 5 (MIS 5a), in the range approximately from 120 to 70 ka ago. The residual saturation magnetization was measured for samples collected in 2018. The SERM (Jrs) analysis of the samples allowed us to confirm boundaries among litho-stratigraphic layers identified in Saradj-Chuko grotto and refine conditions associated with these changes in lithology. The most significant breaks in sedimentation that wererevealed by this analysis correspond to boundaries between layers 5 and 6A, and between layers 6A and 6B. The data are confirmed by the results of x-ray phase analysis, which also indicates that during the accumulation of layers 6A to 2 there was a progressive cooling of the climate. Apparently, the conditions of high humidity inside the cave increasing in warming periods (especially in layer 6B) did not favour its long occupation by the Neanderthals. Archaeological surveys conducted in 2018 resulted in the discovery of a new site named Psytuaje rockshelter, which is located about 4 km upstream the Fanduko river from Saradj-Chuko grotto. In layer 2, there were found 31 artifacts from flint and obsidian. The results of XRF analysis show that all obsidian artifacts are made from obsidian originates from the Zayukovo (Baksan) source. The results of radiocarbon dating point to the final Epipalaeolithic age of layer 2. In the north-central Caucasus, only three Epipalaeolithic sites are known. They all are located in the Baksan River. Two of them, Sosruko and Alebastroviy Zavod rockshelters were excavated in the 1950s (Zamiatnin and Akritas, 1957), but have had no numerical dates until now. The recently discovered Badynoko rockshelter was excavated in only 2004, and produced lithic assemblages dated to the Epipalaeolithic and early Holocene (Zenin and Orlova, 2006; Seletsky et al., 2017). Among these localities, Sosruko and Badynoko rockshelters now represent the basic sites that produce knowledge about chronology and cultural development during the final of Pleistocene — early Holocene in the region. Located in a valley of a small Fanduko river, Psytuaje rockshelter has potential to produce new data about subsistence and culture of the Epipalaeolithic population in the region at the edge of Pleistocene and Holocene. Papers published during the second year of the project: Doronicheva E.V., L.V. Golovanova, V. B. Doronichev, A.G. Nedomolkin, A.S. Korzinova, V.A. Tselmovitch, M.A. Kulkova, E.V. Odinokova, I.G. Shirobokov, V.V. Ivanov, S.A. Nesmeyanov, O.A. Voeykova, A.A. Muriy, T.F. Tregub, M.A. Volkov, M.S. Shackley, Yu.N. Spasovskiy. The first laminar Mousterian obsidian industry in the north-central Caucasus, Russia (preliminary results of a multi-disciplinary research at Saradj-Chuko Grotto). Archaeological Research in Asia. 2019. Available on-line at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2019.03.001 Scopus, WOS, Q1. Doronicheva, E.V., Golovanova, L.V., Doronichev, V.B., Shackley, S.M., Nedomolkin, A.G. 2019 New data about exploitation of the Zayukovo(Baksan) obsidian source in Northern Caucasus during the Paleolithic. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (23): 157-165. Scopus, WOS, Q1. Shackley, M.S., Doronicheva E.V., Doronichev V.B., Golovanova L.V., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Muriy A.A. 2018. The Zayukovo (Baksan) archaeological obsidian source, Greater Caucasus, Russia. IAOS Bulletin No. 60, pp. 11-23. Golovanova L.V., Doronichev, V.B., Doronicheva, E.V. New data on the Palaeolithic of the Elbrus region. // Russian Archaeology 2019. Vol. 2. pp. 7-17. (in Russian) VAC, RISC, Scopus. Papers accepted for publication during the second year of the project: Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Poplevko G.N., Spasovsky Yu.N. Obsidian spearheads in the Middle Palaeolithic of the Elbrus region. Preliminary data on hunting strategies // The Volga Archaeology. Accepted in print, there is a letter from the editorial office. (in Russian) VAC, RISC, Scopus. Papers submitted to journals, in review: Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Nedomolkin A.G., Shirobokov I.G., Shackley S.M., Petrov A., Maksimov F. Discovery of a new Epipaleolithic obsidian industry in Psytuaje Rockshelter, North-Central Caucasus, Russia // Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Scopus, WOS, Q1. Doronicheva E.V., Nesmeyanov S.A., Voeykova O.A., Doronichev V.B., Golovanova L.V., Shackley M.S., Nedomolkin A.G. New data on geology, tectonics and geomorphology of the Zayukovo (Baksan) obsidian source, exploited in the Palaeolithic in the Northern Caucasus, Russia // Archaeometry. Scopus, WOS, Q1. Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Doronicheva E.V., Tregub T.F., Volkov M.A, Spasovskiy Yu.N., Petrov A.Yu., Maksimov F.E. Dynamics of environment and human occupation of the North-Central Caucasus at the edhe of the Pleistocene and Holocene. // Antiquity. Scopus, WOS, Q1. Doronicheva E.V., Shackley M.S., Kulkova M.A. Procurement and exploitation of lithic raw materials in the Middle Paleolithic of the North-Central Caucasus (preliminary results) // UISPP Journal. Doronicheva E.V., Golovanova L.V., Doronichev V.B., Tregub T.F., Volkov M.A., Korzinova A.S. Neanderthal occupation and landscape exploitation during the Middle Paleolithic in the Central Caucasus // Paleoanthropology.

 

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