The Late Palaeolithic in Toruń Basin in the light of the latest research in Brzoza, Site 50

Abstract

Abstract This paper The data from the article was presented by the author during 16th SKAM Lithic Workshop (“Fossil Directeur”. A Phenomenon over Time and Space), 21–23 October 2019, Nitra, Slovak Republic, presentation: The Late Palaeolithic in Toruń Basin in the light of the latest research in Brzoza, site 50 (poster session). presents the preliminary findings related to the excavations in Brzoza site 50, commune Wielka Nieszawka, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland). The Late Palaeolithic site complex in Brzoza – until the end of 1990s known as Toruń-Rudak – is located it Toruń Basin (Poland), in the grounds of a military shooting range on the left bank of Vistula south of the city. According to the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Monuments Conservator the whole complex was defined as one, site no. 50. Rescue excavations in Brzoza in years 2015–2018 were conducted by the District Museum in Toruń. In total 276 m2 were excavated, resulting in documentation of over 11 000 flint products. The research was funded from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivode budget via the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Monuments Conservator and the District Museum in Toruń. The research consisted of archaeological exploration at the remains of the dune embankment, to locate and document undisturbed (in situ) cultural features (flint concentrations). In order to capture the stratigraphic situation in the vicinity of the planned research excavations and to locate the cultural layer with the flint materials linked to the Late Palaeolithic surveys were conducted by means of drillings. The following specialist examinations and consultations were carried out: geological and geomorphological documentation; analyzes of the geographical environment and pedostratigraphy of the research area; from selected profiles soil samples were taken for TL and OSL method analyses. Against the background of other well-known sites with tanged points in northern Poland, the area under study stands out both in terms of the number of flint products obtained and the documented flint concentrations. It must be emphasized that the context of new flint concentrations discovered in Brzoza in the years 2015–2018 is different than that of earlier investigations. Flint products were discovered in a preserved planigraphic and stratigraphic layout; not on a secondary deposit, as was the case, among others in the 1970s. New concentrations discovered in 2015–2018 are related to the Late Palaeolithic technocomplex with tanged points. Amongst flint tools there are elements typologically characteristic to Ahrensburg and Swiderian culture, and individual finds that can be associated with Bromme assemblages. At the present stage of research the acquired flint materials can be linked to the Late Palaeolithic communities present in the area presumably in the younger Dryas. Brzoza site complex occupies an important place in the research of the Late Palaeolithic of northern Poland.