Archaeological survey works at the Ushbulak site in 2019 (using the evidence from test pits 6-12)

The article describes the results of survey works at the multi-layered Ushbulak site conducted by the East Kazakhstan Paleolithic Team in 2019. The main survey took place in units 1 and 2. Simultaneously, both banks of the Vostochnyi Stream were tested at the section of 150 m along the stream (test pits 6-12) starting from the source. Information on geomorphology, stratigraphy of the excavated locations, results of the technical and typological analysis of the archaeological evidence from test pits 6-9 together with their cultural and chronological interpretations are presented. During the excavation works, rare archaeological evidence has been found in all test pits except for test pits 10 and 12; numerous materials have been found in test pits 6 and 11. Test pit 6 yielded 472 artifacts. Geomorphological situation at the site and test pit stratigraphy suggest that archaeological evidence could have become mixed due to redeposition of levels 6 and 7 (according to the order in unit 2) by the water stream in the Holocene (?). At the same time, the complex of finds demonstrates homogeneity and correlates with the industry of the Initial Upper Paleolithic. Primary reduction was targeted on producing blade blanks following parallel volumetric bidirectional method. A core with narrow flaking surface for producing small blades and core-burins have also been found. Tool assemblage includes end-scrapers on blades, tool with retouching on its proximal part, and retouched blades. The results of the field survey in 2019 make it possible to confirm the earlier suggestion that the left and right banks of the Vostochnyi Stream in its upstream demonstrate different stratigraphy and different genesis of the deposits. The boundaries of rock outcrops which limited the site in the Pleistocene have been established; territory of the site has been delineated with more precision, and areas with the highest concentration of stratified archaeological materials with the Initial Upper Paleolithic association, promising for further excavation, have been identified.