Caches» in Mammoth Skulls at Sites of the Kostenki-Avdeyevo Culture (Zaraysk and Kostenki 1 layer I)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6037151 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sergey Lev (0000-0001-9306-2806), Maria Zheltova (0000-0003-4144-6490) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 23-35 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-09 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Archaeology Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1563-0110 • E-ISSN: 1531-832X |
| Publisher | Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.17746/1563-0110.2025.53.3.023-035 |
| OpenAlex | W4414990464 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 4 |
We analyze the archaeological evidence of the deliberate placement of valuables («caches») in mammoth skulls at sites of the Eastern Gravettian Kostenki-Avdeyevo culture (Zaraysk A, E, F, and Kostenki 1 layer I). Six such finds are examined, specifically their spatial arrangement, stratigraphic context, and composition. Special attention is paid to the connection of «caches» with living structures (semi-subterranean dwellings) and ritual complexes, as evidenced by the presence of ocher, specific placement of artifacts, etc. A classification of «caches» is suggested: lost (accidentally left), returnable (intended for subsequent retrieval), and irretrievable (ritual sacrifices). The composition of such complexes is diverse. A «special» cache at Zaraysk E contained 24 artifacts including Kostenki knives, placed in the alveolus of a mammoth skull; at Kostenki 1, a spatula made of a rib with a figured top had been hidden in the skull. Notably, the tradition of using mammoth skulls for storing valuables has been traced over a long period of time at sites of the Upper Paleolithic Kostenki-Avdeyevo archaeological culture belonging to the Eastern Gravettian. It was practiced on the Russian Plain even after the LGM at sites of the Anosovo-Mezin type, representing another cultural tradition. Our findings indicate a complex interaction of utilitarian and symbolic practices among ancient hunters, expanding our knowledge of their worldview
Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |