Technical-typologic characteristic of microcores of the cultural horizon 3B of the Kovrizhka IV site (Vitim River, Baikal-Pathom Uplands) with application of morphometry based on 3D modelling

Purpose. The study consists of results of a technical-typologic analysis of microcores and ski-spalls from 3B cultural horizon of the Kovrizhka IV site (Lower Vitim and Baikal-Pathom Uplands) with morphometric characteristics obtained by means of 3D modelling. This assemblage is dated to about 18.8 cal ka BP and refers to the early phase of the LUP. Production of microblades is represented by 5 microcores, 2 preforms, 3 ski-spalls, 174 whole and fragmented microblades. The aim of the study is to characterize the microblade splitting technology by new data of the variability of the microcore preparation.Results. The preforms for microcores were both bifaces and spalls. Ski-spalls indicate the presence of the technique of Yubetsu. For the first time in the region’s archeology the most diverse ways of manufacturing microcore, including the variants of transverse, parallel, and diagonal design of the striking platform relative to the longitudinal axis of the spall-preform have been revealed in one episode of habitat. It was established that the volume of microcores from biface in the initial stage is higher than the volume of micronucleus from the spall by 2-3 times.Conclusion. The variety of forms and ways of obtaining microcore is valued as a sure mastery of ancient masters of the technology of the microblade production. The Kovrizhka microcore technique is widely represented in subsequent assemblages of the Lower Vitim up to the early Holocene, similar final forms are also typical in the general context.