The first Mesolithic site in the upper reaches of the Tavda River (Middle Trans-Urals)

During a survey of “mammoth cemeteries” in the vicinity of the former village of Linty, a multi-layered site was discovered. The site is situated 63 km (by water) from the regional center of Gary, on the right bank of the Tavda River. It contains isolated Paleolithic finds, Mesolithic (16.5 %), Neolithic (43 %), and Eneolithic complexes (23 %, excluding flakes). Isolated occurrences of Early Iron Age ceramics have also been recorded. Of particular significance is the microlithic Mesolithic complex, which represents the first documented Mesolithic find on the Tavda River. The collection includes all the principal tool types of Mesolithic stone products: nucleuses, burins, cutters, scrapers, points, and retouched and untouched blades. A distinctive feature of this complex is the presence of exceptionally well-worked nucleuses. The assemblage also includes a nucleus manufactured from a fragment of a polished tool and a burin exhibiting transverse retouching.