Dzhiblon cave - new stratified site in the Akhangaran river valley (Republic of Uzbekistan)

The article describes the results of archaeological survey in Ohangaron District in Tashkent Region of the Republic ofUzbekistan in 2023. The survey was aimed at discovering new sites of the Stone Age and was focused on the right side of the Ohangaron River valley and its largest tributaries. The most promising object was Dzhiblon cave on the left bank of the Kuksaray River. Two zones of the karst cavity - well-illuminated entrance part under the rock canopy and interior dark hall - were examined. Heights and areas were measured; photographs were taken; samples were taken for granulometric, paleontological, and anthropological analyses. An exploration pit was made in the frontal zone of the cave. The stratigraphic cross-section revealed three lithological layers and three cultural horizons. Archaeological and paleontological evidence was found. The Holocene finds included fragments of undecorated pottery and unidentifiable metal object. The collection of fossil fauna included bones of small and medium-sized ungulates, such as red deer, roe deer, and mountain goat, as well as predators of the Caninae family, bats, rodents, and birds. The bones showed traces of human processing and utilization - incisions, longitudinal cuts, and burning. Accumulations of bone remains were associated with areas where charcoal fragments concentrated. The only lithic artifact so far was discovered in the first lithological layer in situ. The works have shown good prospects of the Dzhiblon Cave as a multilayered archaeological site associated with a rock shelter. Further expansion of excavation area and unearthing loose sediments down to the rock base will complement the stratigraphic profile of the cave and enrich its archaeological collection.