The results of 2015 excavation campaign at the archaeological site Obishir-5

Until recently, two types of industries, Mesolithic and Epipaleolithic and were the key elements in explanation of Final Pleistocene - Early Holocene complex variability in the western part of Central Asia. The differentiation based on presence of geometric microliths in the tool assemblage: Mesolithic sites contained them, and Epipaleilothic sites did not. A new exploratory phase was marked by revision of materials from the key Final Pleistocene - Early Holocene sites with the result that attribution of many industries were ascertained and genesis of the Mesolithic complex sequence was reconsidered. Besides, based on stratigraphic data and technico-typological characteristics it was supposed that Epipaleolithic complexes are younger than Mesolithic. The excavation at the Obishir-5 rockshelter, the one of the key Epipaleolithic sites in the region, was renewed again for the elaboration of this hypothesis. Expedition obtained the presentable archaeological collection, which is characterized by developed microblade flaking and predominance of the microblades with ventral retouch and single end-scrapers in the tool assemblage. In addition, we provided sampling for absolute dating of the deposits and palynological analysis. It will permit to determine where Obishir material find his place in the development pattern of the Final Pleistocene - Early Holocene complexes, and reconstruct the paleoecological situation in this region of Central Asia.