The malisina stijena multilayer Paleolithic Site in Montenegro: research results of 2021

The article presents new evidence from the excavations in Malisina Stijena rock shelter located in the north of the Republic of Montenegro. Excavation in 2021 over the area of 2 х 3 m was made at the drip line in the eastern part of the rock shelter. Deposits up to 2 m thick were exposed. Lithological layers A1-A4, B1, B2, C, and D were identified in the section. Archaeological evidence occurred in most units with the exception of layers A3 and D. Primary reduction in layers C and B was aimed at producing flakes, less frequently, blades following the radial, Levallois, and parallel primary reduction techniques. The toolkit combined typical Middle Paleolithic varieties, such as Mousterian points, Levallois points, and side-scrapers of various types, with the objects typical of the Upper Paleolithic, such as end-scrapers, piercing tools, as well as chisel-like and truncated-faceted tools. Faunal remains testify to hunting large herbivores, such as bison, red deer, and mountain goat. Bones of a hare and large birds were also discovered. Local raw materials from the gravel of the Cehotina River were used for tool production. The closest cultural and chronological parallels to these industries can be found in the complexes of the Final Middle Paleolithic from the sites of Bioce and Crvena Stijena in Central Montenegro. Lithic industry from layer A was distinguished by well-developed small and micro-laminar technique. The toolkit contained the varieties typical of the Final Upper Paleolithic, including backed microblades, microliths, gravettoid points, and small end-scrapers. There is evidence of systematic fishing and hunting birds and small mammals.