Research of the Darvagchai-Zaliv-4 multi-layer site in 2021

The article provides the latest results obtained during the research of the site Darvagchay-Zaliv-4 (Southeastern Dagestan). During the excavations, additional archaeological materials were found confirming the presence of three different-time complexes of artifacts at the site, the chronological framework of which was based on the results of malacofauna analysis, paleomagnetic studies and absolute OSL dating. The lithic industry of the first complex found in Layer 3 (pebble-gravel deposits) was attributed to the final Acheulean period. Eluvial-deluvial and proluvial processes were main in the deposition of sediments. Chronologically, the time of its existence was determined to the range of 250-220 ka BP (MIS 7). Artefacts of another stone collection found in Layer 5 (sea gravel and sand) belong to the late Acheulean and are the evidence of the earliest appearance of ancient man in the territory under consideration (380-330 ka BP (MIS 11-10)). The most expressive part of the early Paleolithic collections are large pebble and bifacially processed tools including choppers, spikes, cleavers, core scrapers, and cleaver-type articles. Among the tools on the flakes, there are small series of scraper-shaped, spike-shaped, and notched tools. The primary reduction of the final Acheulean industry includes a number of common features typical of the Levallois technique such as forming a convex shearing plane in a nucleus and a prepared striking platform. Generally, the provided complexes demonstrate a clear similarity in the design techniques and types of products.