Neolith of Kyrgyzstan is 6000 years old: the first radiocarbon dates

May 2, 2012

In summer 2011 students and staff of AUCA Anthropology program conducted archaeological excavations in the Semetei cave, which is situated in alpine valley of Arpa river, Naryn region.

The studies identified the stratigraphic column, consisting of five lithological layers, two of which were identified as archaeological. In addition to the artifacts in the form of pigs, plates and microplates, made of pebbles, flint, chalcedony, and ceramic fragments, archeologists obtained organic materials, such as animal bones and charcoal. Coal samples from the second archeological layer were sent to the University of Tokyo for obtaining the radiocarbon analysis. The results of analysis have surpassed all expectations, the ancient people who inhabited the cave, lived about 6000 years ago.

Now, in the chronology of the Neolith of Kyrgyzstan appeared reliable reference point to which you can bind a local chronological scale of Mesolith and Neolith, as well as conduct an audit of the previous one.

Culturally, Neolithic grotto is characterized by microlithic technique without geometric shapes and ceramics, the basis of which is microplate industry. Alpine Neolith of Kyrgyzstan is very different from the famous Hissar Culture in Central Asia, which suggests the existence of special local Arp Neolithic culture on the territory of the country.