Antler mediators and pressure flaking tools in the mesolithic of the VOLGA-OKA interfluve

At the Mesolithic sites of the Volga-Oka interfluve blades were mostly shaped using "soft fabricator" technique. Yet antler tools of the kind and those made of soft stone are unknown from the peatbog sites of the region. Numerous series of antler mediators from sites of various stages of Butovo culture evidences this technique from Early to Late Mesolithic. Pressure technique was used to obtain microblades and narrow blades of regular shape since the earliest Mesolithic. Hand pressure was performed on a base, tools were fixed in handles. Big bent pressure tools made of elk horn similar to those known from Kongemose and Erteb0lle cultures were used for producing long blades. Antler tools are most numerous and varied on the early and middle stages of Butovo culture. Later on the tools drop in number, which corresponds to decrease of blade and inserted techniques on the late stage of Butovo culture.