Research of Paleolithic assemblages in the south chamber of Denisova cave in 2023

New archaeological evidence obtained from the excavations of the Pleistocene sediments in the central part of the South Chamber of Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains are discussed in this article. Deposits of lithological layers 19-11 with the total thickness reaching 3.5 m were examined in this area of the cave. No traces of human activity were found in layer 19. The earliestfinds occurred in sediments of layers 18 and 17, which accumulated during MIS 7. The Early Middle Paleolithic lithic industry from these layers was distinguished by parallel and radial technology aimed at producing shortflakes. Flakes with ventral thinning or basal truncation were predominant among the items with secondary processing; denticulate tools and various side-scrapers were also common. Assemblages of the Middle Paleolithic from the middle part of the Pleistocene strata (layers 16-13) which was formed during MIS 6 and 5, show largely similar technical and typological features. The main qualitative difference from the previous industry was point and blade production following the Levallois method of reduction. The evidence of the Final Middle Paleolithic from layer 12 which was correlated with MIS 4, reflects further development of blade technology. The tool assemblage there contained side-scrapers with the carefully shaped edge apparently with the help of bone retouchers which were also found in this layer. In addition to lithic artifacts, small but impressive collection of the Early Upper Paleolithic from layer 11 which was formed in the MIS 3, included objects of symbolic activities - adornments made of mammoth ivory and ostrich egg shells.