New data on the Middle Paleolithic lithic industries from the entryway zone of Denisova Cave

This article presents the archaeological collection from layers 10-8 in the entryway area of Denisova cave, obtained during the excavations in 1991 and 1996. In total, over 2000 lithic artifacts have been analyzed. According to paleogeographic data, layer 10 emerged under favorable climatic conditions corresponding to substage MIS 5e, which were consistent with the Blake paleomagnetic event of104,000-120,000 established for this part of the cross-section. Layer 9 was formed after a break in sedimentation in natural environment presumably typical of MIS 5b-a. Palaeogeographic indicators for layer 8 correlate with the final stage of MIS 4. The Middle Paleolithic complex of layers 10-8 is generally distinguished by the laminar parallel technique ofprimary reduction. The collection from layer 10 contains samples of radial cores. The developed Levallois technique in the industries is evidenced by a series of flakes, blades, and points with the classical morphology of Levallois artifacts. Blanks for the tools were predominantly large short or shortened flakes. The Middle Paleolithic component in the toolkits consists of various side-scrapers and Mousterian points. The share of denticulate and notched items is significant. Ventrally thinned and basally truncated flakes are present in the series. Each of the layers contained expressive forms of truncated and faceted items. There is a clear trend towards increased share of blades among the blanks from layer 10 to layer 8 and general trend of elongated blanks, which reflects the development of blade technology in the Final Middle Paleolithic.