The pressure blademaking technique in the Northwestern Caucasus in the Early Holocene: functional aspect (a case study of the materials from the Dvoynaya cave upper layer)

The paper discusses possible correlation between the use of pressure technique use and the function of pressure-made bladelets / microbladelets in the Early Holocene of the Northwestern Caucasus. The sample of 96 pieces from the Upper Mesolithic layer of the Dvoynaya Cave (lithological layer 4/5) was studied. The sample was formed by means of the technological analysis. It was established that the pressure-made blanks were mainly used as the lateral inserts for composite slotted arrowheads, pointed arrowheads, and sometimes used as the tools for bone/antler and wood processing or cutting knives. The study results suggest that in the Early Holocene of the Northwestern Caucasus the pressure blademaking technique was mainly used for the production of highly standardized blanks for the composite slotted bone tools equipment. composite arrowheads with lateral insets composite projectile tools with lateral inserts.