Zoomorphic portable art from Siberian collections of the Upper Paleolithic (documentation, systematization and approaches to classification)

The paper provides an overview of the Siberian Paleolithic collection in the most complete and systemized form (Tolbaga, Mal'ta, Ust'-Kova, Buret', Yanskaya sites, etc.). Siberian figurines are noted for realism, characteristic details, a limited number of species, consistent technological and decoration methods. Approaches to classification of items have been proposed on the basis of a set of methods. Stylistical analysis serves to identify two traditions: serial items and individual items. In terms of technology and typology, there is a consistent correlation between a piece of material to be worked (flakes, bars, rods) and a finished item. Pieces of material for making figurines and half-finished and finished items are singled out. Decoration of the items (imitation of fur, scales and feathers) is typical for ‘individual' items and is identified for cultural traditions of tusk ornamentation in Siberia. Most described items of Siberian portable art have been entered in the information system with complete attribution, details and 3D models.