The Mesolithic-Neolithic transition: chronological boundaries and degree of continuity (based on multilayer location Kazachka I site)

Territory of Kansk-Rybinsk basin is insufficiently studied in archaeological terms. The basin is located on the western bor der of south of Central Siberia and borders on Baikal region, the territory of the upper Yenisei. Investigation of this area was conducted since 1972 to 1991. During this time was dis covered more than 100 archaeological sites. However stationary excavations conducted on only a few. Despite years of research basin, questions of periodization and chronology still remain undeveloped. Especially transitional periods, such as transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic periods. Recent research in the Baikal region and Transbaikal showed that the border of appearance pottery moved to 7-8 ka. On the other hand, as semblages fixed in the territory of Siberia and the Far East where stone industry are Neolithic, but ceramics in them is not found. This data determines the relevance of this paper. Purpose: Determination of the chronological boundaries of the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, as well as the degree of cultural continuity between them based on material of multi-layer Kazachka I site, including X-VII cultural layers dated from 8-6,8 ka and containing representative archaeological collection. The site was opened in 1972 by the complex archaeological expedition of Irkutsk State University (leader by N. A. Saveliev) and immediately attracted the attention of researchers. At this site in the clear stratigraphic conditions, was found 20 cultural layers. By the current periodization the end of Mesolithic of Kazachka I include X-VIII cultural layers and this period was called the final Mesolithic. The first layer containing traces of pottery production is VII cultural layer. X-VII layers fitted into one lithological strata. It is represented by slightly argillaceous thickness sandy loam and sandy sediments. Results: Clear stratigraphic conditions of sedimentation, analysis of archaeological collections, the results of palynological and osteological analyzes, data of paleogeography and geochronology, dating of 14C and residual magnetization let to fully consider the assemblages of X-VII cultural layers and to identify the following features: remains of X-VII cultural layers of Kazachka I site were left by carriers one culture and shows seamless transition to the Neolithic stone industry; the final Mesolithic and early Neolithic environment conditions not differ dramatically; economic base of the ancient population remained almost unchanged. Innovations are visible only in appearance of pottery (which is more of a cultural character) and the new form of hearth's construction. Conclusion: This suggests the immediate continuity between the Final Mesolithic and Early Neolithic layers of Kazachka I site. The Mesolithic-Neolithic boundary can be determined interval 7-6,8 ka, what testifies by series of dates at 14C and residual magnetization.