The Knapping Method in the Earliest Blade Industries of the Siberian Upper Paleolithic: Between Theory and Experiment

Purpose. This study investigates the earliest forms of blade production in the Initial Upper Paleolithic in the Altai. Despite the widespread availability of high-quality lithic raw materials during the period from 47 to 40 ka uncal BP, the tradition of producing and using large blades reached its peak development here. These traditions retained characteristic features of the era. Results. The research specifically focuses on the knapping method, which is a complex and multifaceted aspect of the technology. This method integrates conceptually related and diverse techniques for organizing and managing the flaking process. Our primary goal was to experimentally test theoretically reconstructed knapping methods for Initial Upper Paleolithic blade industries. For this testing, we used raw materials from the Altai region. First, we reviewed and synthesized published data. This allowed us to develop a theoretical framework for the experiment. Next, we conducted practical experimental modeling of a universal production strategy. In this modeling, we employed both mineral and organic hammers. Conclusion. The results of the experiment confirm the first confirmation of the core principles within the theoretical model of blade production for the Altai Initial Upper Paleolithic. They clearly demonstrate the model's technical feasibility and effectiveness. Furthermore, the experiment enabled us to refine the implementation of the reconstructed technology. Additionally, we developed new approaches for interpreting traces of the modeled techniques in archaeological materials.