Pages: 85-102 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp26185102
This paper presents the results of a techno-typological and statistical analysis of assemblages from key Middle Palaeolithic layers (12.1, 12.3, 17) at the Kulbulak site. The study aims to determine their position within the Obi-Rakhmatian and to elucidate the nature of its long-term developmental trajectory. Based on the study of 8,790 artifacts and the application of non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), a detailed comparison was conducted between the Kulbulak assemblages (layers 12.1, 12.3, 17) and both chronologically earlier (Kulbulak layers 23–24) and later (Obi-Rakhmat layers 17–21) industries. The results demonstrate that the assemblages from the middle part of the Kulbulak sequence (~89–120 ka) fall within the single variability range of the Obi-Rakhmat variant across all key parameters (debitage structure, core types, and tool composition). They thereby fill a significant chronological gap between its earliest (~200–180 ka) and latest (~85–40 ka) phases. It is shown that, despite variability influenced by raw material and possibly functional factors, the Obi-Rakhmatian is characterized by a remarkable stability in its core techno-typological characteristics from the late Middle through the end of Middle- first half of the Upper Pleistocene, exhibiting no evidence of directed linear development.
Keywords: Middle Palaeolithic, Obirakhmatian, lithic assemblage, cultural continuity, Western Pamir-Tian Shan region, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS)
Information about authors:
Kseniya Kolobova (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). Doctor of Historical Sciences, Assistant Professor of the RAS. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-5757-3251
Andrey Krivoshapkin (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). Doctor of Historical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-5327-3438
Galina Pavlenok (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-3727-776X
Konstantin Pavlenok (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-0205-2077