Denticulate bone tools from the Kazachka site

This article analyzes denticulate tools from layers 11 and 12 (the Early Holocene deposits) at the multi-layered Kazachka site located in the Kansk-RybinskDepression. The study is based on the typological list of G.-C. Weniger, which determines functionality of denticulate tools using their metric parameters, method of attachment to the handle, and general morphology, accompanied by the data on the area of the surface and volume of the tool. All available denticulate bone tools from layers 11 and 12 (5 items, both intact and fragmented) were analyzed using metric data from high-resolution 3D models of the tools. For classification purposes the following features were considered: ratio of width to length, number and frequency of notches, and morphology of the base. The typological classification, which mostly involved qualitative attributes, was successfully complemented by surface area and volume data of the tools under study. From high-resolution measurements, it may be suggested that both harpoons and harpoon points were present in the collection. Analysis of osteological evidence from layers 11 and 12, where bones of musk deer, foxes, gophers, birds, andfish first appeared, indicates that the tools were used for hunting small animals and birds, and forfishing. This approach can be used for initial attribution of tools, which will be confirmed by further experiments and use-wear analysis.