Some results of investigations of palaeolithic sites near Divnogorie farmstead on the Middle Don (seasons 2007-2011)

The paper presents preliminary results of complex investigations carried on at the Late Palaeolithic sites at the Divnorogie farmstead on the Middle Don (Central Russia). Divnogorie 1 is a site of short-term habitation, the cultural deposit contains limited number of finds, mostly horse extremities and reindeer bones. At Divnogorie 9 situated at the distance 2.5 km seven layers of deposits contained practically full horse skeletons and few stone tools. Series of 14C dates from the sites fall within 13-14 thousand BP. Our data define Divnogorie 9 as a kill-site, wild horses being the object of battue, and Divnogorie 1 as a hunters' station, probably seasonal, specialized in carcasses dressing. The relationship of sites with different functions is a rare phenomenon in Eastern Europe, even unique taking into account the species hunted (wild horse).