Epipaleolithic complexes of the Badynoko rockshelter (Elbrus region)

The lithic complexes of the Badynoko rockshelter (Elbrus region, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russian Federation) are analyzed. The site was discovered in 2004 by members of archaeological expedition led by Dr. V.N. Zenin. During the field study of the Badynoko rockshelter eight lithologic layers were identified. Only the lowest stratigraphic units (layers 7 and 8), which were excavated in an area of 5 m², could be described as in situ sediments. Those units contain remains of 6 Epipaleolithic cultural layers (8, 7.5, 7.4, 7.3, 7.2 and 7.1). As a result of a detailed technical and typological analysis within the attributive approach, the raw materials preferences of the prehistoric inhabitants of the Badynoko rockshelter were identified, and the main technical and typological characteristics of cores, blanks and tools were reconstructed. Based on the obtained results, as well as on the available absolute dates, the complexes of the Badynoko rockshelter were grouped into three cultural and chronological units that show the development from the early to the late Epipaleolithic. The early stage (layers 8, 7.5; -18-15 thousand years ago). Obsidian predominated in raw material procurement strategy which is obviously seen both in primary flaking, and in tool kit. The primary flaking was aimed to produce bladelets by longitudinal knapping of prismatic cores. A considerable number of flakes, which are the technical result of the core reduction, were found. The tool kits are dominated by end-scrapers, burins and perforators. The middle stage (layers 7.4, 7.3; -15-9 thousand years ago). At this stage prehistoric knappers equally utilized both obsidian and flint raw material. The primary flaking was aimed to produce bladelets and microblades from prismatic cores. The tool kits are dominated by the truncated bladelets, bladelets with ventral retouch, geometric microliths in the form of rectangles and trapezoids, single specimens of lunates and triangles. Thumbnail end-scrapers, perforators and notched tools are also identified. The late stage (layers 7.2, 7.1; -9-7 thousand years ago) is characterized by the predominance of flint as raw material. The primary flaking was aimed to the production of bladelets and microblades from cylindrical and subconeous cores. Truncated bladelets and thumbnail end-scrapers are common in the tool kits; there are single specimens of geometric microliths (trapezoids, triangles and segments), perforators and splintered pieces. New data obtained during the research of the Badynoko rockshelter supplement the understanding of the Epipaleolithic period in the Northern Caucasus. The general evolution trend in the Badynoko complexes from the early to the late Epipaleolithic is seen in the development of prismatic flaking techniques aimed to the production of flint bladelets and microblades. This trend includes a specific tool kit comprising various geometric and non-geometric microliths: truncated bladelets, backed bladelets, backed microblades and geometric microliths (trapezoids, triangles, segments). These trends are common for Epipaleolithic complexes in North Caucasus, Zagros and the Levant.

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