On Representativeness of the Middle Paleolithic Sites in Western Part of Central Asia

Over more than 80-years’ history of archaeological investigations in the western part of Central Asia dozens of objects dating to the Middle Paleolithic have been discovered. As a result, a commonly shared opinion has been that this period in human history is among the best represented. The analysis of representation of Middle Paleolithic objects undertaken in this study has demonstrated that the level of representation of these sites was artificially exaggerated. It was done due to the inclusion of numerous items with exhibited materials in the registry whose exact position is difficult to indicate. It thus seems logical to unify diflerent versions of industrial development that took place during the Middle Paleolithic. Previously up to 7 variations of industries were distinguished, while now it is believed that only two can be singled out, namely Teshik-Tash and Obi-Rakhmat. It is suggested considering the other variations of lithic industries as the local representations of the two basic versions.

Keywords: Central Asia, Middle Paleolithic, archeological site, development of lithic industries.

On Representativeness of the Middle Paleolithic Sites in Western Part of Central Asia