The Mesolithic complex of the Sagan-Zaba II geoarchaeological complex (Baikal lake)

Purpose: Early Holocene stratified sites associated with Mesolithic materials remain understudied both on the shore of Baikal Lake and more broadly, throughout the Cis-Baikal territory. Seven of these sites have been studied within the Ol’khon region, including the multi-layer settlement of Sagan-Zaba II, which was excavated from 2006-2008. This article presents the materials of cultural layer VII from this site, including their attributes and dates. Results: An analysis of the site’s general layout showed that archaeological materials were found mostly in concentrations around hearths and firepits. These concentrations contained faunal remains (primarily fragmentary and burnt bone) as well as isolated lithic and bone tools, and apparently represent refuse from domestic activities. On the basis of the quantity of hearth features and their proximity to one another, it is possible to suggest that they reflect consecutive, multi-seasonal activity at the site. The presence of thin ash lenses testifies to site’s repeated short-term use. Based on the numerous bones belonging to nerpa seals, which were obtained primarily during spring (demonstrated through a study of teeth, which provided information about age-at-death profiles and seasonality of local seal-hunting), it is logical to associate this site with springtime activities. An analysis of the materials from this archaeological complex revealed a range of lithic and bone tools as well as faunal remains. The majority of lithic tools were products of primary reduction. Prismatic blades predominated, and this method accounts for a large percent of the tools encountered (corner cutting tools and small cutting tools, edge-retouched inserts). Tools made from bone included elements of composite insert tools, harpoons, and points. This assortment of tool types is characteristic of Mesolithic complexes of the Ol’khon region from a wide temporal range. In order to determine more precise dates for this complex, we employed radiocarbon data collected from various materials (terrestrial fauna and nerpa bone remains, as well as other organic material). An analysis of these dates showed an influence of old wood on the apparent date of the complex, and supports previous conclusions about the reliability of radiocarbon dates from terrestrial faunal samples. Conclusion: The well-defined stratigraphic position of cultural layer VII at the Sagan-Zaba II geoarchaeological site and a comparison with materials from an array of multi-layer settlements of the Ol’khon region enable us to relate it to the late Mesolithic period. A series of radiocarbon determinations pinpoint its use to a period within 9020-8650 cal BP, which significantly predates the traditional chronology of the late Mesolithic.