The Neolithic-paleometal bifacial tools from the sites of Ust-Kutarey microregion (North Angara region)

Rescue archaeological works in the Northern Angara region in 2008-2011 resulted in discovery of many archaeological sites, including Ustye Reki Kutarey, Senkin (Siniy) Kamen, Ruchei Povarny, and Gora Kutarey. Research and publication of evidence from these sites are currently under way. Due to specific nature of sedimentation and problems of researching the region, detailed study of archaeological evidence and its planigraphic context, as well as comparison with the adjacent and synchronous sites is crucial. A detailed study of archaeological evidence from the Ustye Reki Kutarey site resulted in identification of conventionally "pure” Neolithic complexes and mixed complexes (with addition of pottery of the Bronze Age-Middle Ages). For better understanding of the situation in the entire Ust-Kutarey microregion, the collection of samples was selected for comparative analysis with evidence from the adjacent sites (Gora Kutarey and Senkin (Siniy) Kamen). The research has made it possible to identify the concentration of production of small laminar flakes at the Ustye Reki Kutarey site and production of adzes, axes, and fan-shaped end-scrapers at the Gora Kutarey site. Analysis of the selected laminar spalls was performed. It was possible to preliminarily identify an earlier (middle) stage of the Neolithic (horizon 2, layer 3 of the Ustye Reki Kutarey site) and a later stage (layer 3, horizon 1, layer 2 of the Ustye Reki Kutarey site, Gora Kutarey site). This article presents detailed analysis of bifacial tools from these industries, which contributes to solving the problem of criteria for the Neolithic industries of the region.