Field research of the mammoth fauna and Paleolithic at the Lugovskoe site in 2023

Field works at the Lugovskoe site were an extension of integrated research in 2002-2019 aimed at obtaining new archaeological evidence, and clarifying stratigraphy and position of the cultural layer at the site. The article describes the most representative stratigraphic section as well as typology of stone assemblages and their cultural and chronological interpretation. Samples for micropaleontological and radiocarbon analysis were collected during the expedition. Five exploration pits of 15 sq. m were made. Bottom sediments of the buried ravine were washed. After surveying the site, six finds of Mammuthus primigenius Blum. were discovered on the surface of the bottom sediments at the mouth of the ravine and in the valley of the Maramka stream. Two bone fragments, also belonging to Mammuthus primigenius Blum., were found in exploration pit 5. Archaeological evidence (738 items) occurred in pits 2 and 3, and was obtained after washing the bottom sediments from the ravine. Allfinds in situ (39 items) were made in the lower part of layer 2 of aeolian origin, which showed signs of deformation from permafrost degradation. The most distinctive artifacts were two edge-faceted cores, end-scraper on a retouched blade, and a double borer. Large number of chips, fragments, and technical spalls in the cultural layer indicates the operations of trimming and rejuvenating stone tools. Evidence of primary reduction in the excavated part of the cultural layer has not been found. The stone assemblage finds parallels to the complexes from the southeast of Western Siberia and can be attributed to the bladelet industry of the Late Upper Paleolithic.