The upper Paleolithic multi-hearth dwelling at the Kosaya Shivera-2 settlement in the Transbaikal region, Russia

Abstract

During archaeological excavations conducted in the Krasnii Chikoi region (Transbaikalye), a multi-hearth dwelling was uncovered at the Kosaya Shivera settlement site. The site is associated with depositions of the first terrace above the flood plain of the Menza River. The dwelling refers to cultural horizon 4, which is a thin, 3 cm thick limous layer at a depth of 1.3 m. The cultural layer yielded a construction consisting of 4 hearths with an outer lining of rocks and associated artifacts. The hearths are located along the long axis 0.5–1 m apart. The space around them is enclosed by an outer lining of 82 rocks. The lining has an oval shape (partially exposed, measuring 6.5 х 9.5 m). All artifacts are associated with the hearths. No artifacts were uncovered beyond the outer rock lining. The 767 artifacts comprise micro-cores, tools, and microblades, with fragments, flakes and fine bone fragments. The stratigraphic position of the dwelling and radiocarbon data place the dwelling back to the end of the Upper Paleolithic period.