First research results at the multilayered site of Istikskaya cave (Eastern Pamir, Tajikistan)

According to the results of recent studies, first peopling of the highlands started during the Final Pleistocene-Early Holocene. The earliest settlements in the Andes at the height of ca. 4000 m above sea level were dated to 12 kyr BP; the age of the first settlements in Tibet is about 12.5 kyr BP. Active archaeological research of Central Asian highlands was conducted in 1950s-1970s. According to the results of these studies, this region was peopled in the Early Holocene (ca. 10 kyr BP). The revision of collections from Soviet excavations and new absolute dates have made it possible to establish that the region was peopled at the earlier date (ca. 13 kyr BP). The joined Russian-Tajik Expedition resumed the field study of multilayered archaeological site of Istikskaya cave, which resulted in large archaeological collection, including unique artifacts of bone - needles and personal adornments. The preliminary correlation analysis of the lithic industry has revealed similarities with the evidence from the neighboring territories (Fergana Valley, Markansu Valley, and Alay Valley). Continued field study of the cave will make it possible to reconstruct ancient human migrations to the Central Asian highlands and their chronology, and establish relationship of changes in climate and landscape with ancient human economic systems from the earliest peopling of highlands almost until the present time.