Organisation des longues cabanes de la région de la rivière Katoun (Monts de l’Altaï) au Néolithique

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the excavation of longhouses from the Neolithic site of Ust-Kuyum. It is located in the Katun river region of the Mountain Altai. Peоple, who lived on the site in the first half of the IV^th millennium BC practiced hunting and fishing. The data of the study of the material from the site are briefly published. The study of the specific details of these dwelling is unprecedented. The shanty represents the remains of complex long houses with lithic interior structures, fireplaces and exits overlooking the river. The organisation of the longhouses has no analogues in the sites of ancient hunters’ shanties in southern Siberia. The material provides information about the culture and traditions of the people from the Middle Katun river basin. It also shows the characteristics of their daily life. This people left the settlements and burials, rock paintings in the taiga-forest landscape of the Salair and Altai regions. Radiocarbon dating of the burials has been used to support the results of anthropological studies. The excavation carried out by the author was organised between 1990 and 1992. The excavation of the shanty sites on the Ob Plateau (the plain pre-Altai) and from the Mountain Altai, contemporary with those mentioned, provided information both for a study of the material culture and their comparison. This paper includes plans of the shanty and of constructions of interior stone layous. It is intended for use in reconstruction of Neolithic dwellings.