The middle Paleolithic complexes of the Chagyrskaya cave: 2018 field results

Chagyrskaya cave is a key-site of the Middle Paleolithic Sibiryachikha Facies in Gorny Altai. During the field season of 2018, field work was focused upon the central chamber; the total excavation square was two square meters. The cultural layers of Chagyrskaya cave have yielded new numerous assemblages of stone artefacts, paleontological and paleoanthropological materials. The study area is characterized by a high degree of carnivore activity. During the field works, new stratigraphic and sedimentologic data from the lithological layers of Chagyrskaya cave have been obtained. Numerous bone tools, such as retouchers, intermediate tools, points with rounded tips and pressure tools are the unique findings for the regional Middle Paleolithic. The lithic assemblage contains a significant number of tools and is typical for the Middle Paleolithic Sibiryachikha assemblages in Gorny Altai.