PROBLEMS OF THE EARLY PALEOLITHIC CULTURE OF CENTRAL ASIA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE SELUNGUR MONUMENT)

Abstract

To date, more than 20 open and closed sites and finds of the Lower (Early) Paleolithic have been identified and studied in Central Asia. Examples: Burikazgan, Tanirkazgan, Kyzyltov 1, Kuldara, Lakhuti 1, Kulbulak, Kyzylolma, Toshsay, Dzharsai, Selungur, Chashma and other monuments. However, despite the fact that some monuments (Kizilolma, Kolbulak, Selungur, etc.) are well studied, there are various discussions about their cultural and periodic specifics. The stone crafts of these monuments have not been sufficiently studied from a technical and typological point of view, and their standard sheets have not yet been developed. Therefore, no unambiguous conclusions about the cultural and periodic features of the monuments were made. One of these monuments is the Selungur Cave. The article provides a brief overview of the history of the Early Paleolithic, the study of the Selungur Cave, the stone industry, fauna and flora, as well as the paleoanthropological finds of the Early Paleolithic, the only ones in the region (ancient human bones have not survived). found in other sites). In particular, the article briefly discusses critical views on the cultural-periodic interpretation of the Selungur site, as well as some comments on the cultural-periodic features of the monument