Spatial analysis of evidence from layer 5 at the Ushbulak site (East Kazakhstan)

This article discusses assemblage from layer 5 at the Ushbulak multilayered site in East Kazakhstan. Lithological layer 5 containing cultural remains was studied in 2018, 2019, and 2023 over the area of 16 sq. m. Preliminary examination of a scarce complexfrom cultural horizon 5.2 with asymmetrical core and retouched blades has revealed its greater resemblance to the evidence of the Initial Upper Paleolithic from layers 6-7 compared to the Upper Paleolithic complexes from layers 4-5.1. The discovery of additional section of a stone structure which was found in 2018, underneath the evidence of horizon 5.2 (excavations of2023) has made it possible to re-examine all previously obtained collections from layer 5, divide it into two individual cultural horizons 5.1 and 5.2, and re-evaluate its chronological attribution. The stone structure which marks the occurrence of artifacts in the upper (5.1) or lower (5.2) horizons was instrumental in constructing several projections of artifact coordinates. Spatial analysis has indicated that the majority of the artifacts from layer 5 were associated with horizon 5.1. This conclusion is supported by refitting. A few artifacts at the level of the stone structure or underneath it can be attributed to horizon 5.2. The evidence from horizon 5.2 should be interpreted as belonging to the Early Upper Paleolithic based on the morphology of lithic artifacts, their stratigraphic position, and presence of the stone structure. Similar examples of stone structures can be found in the Early Upper Paleolithic in the adjacent areas thus providing further support to this interpretation.