New Data for Asymmetric Core Reduction in Western Tian Shan Piedmonts: The Ertash Sai 2 Open-Air Site

Abstract

This study describes a multi-proxy approach toward a newly discovered open-air loess site, Ertash Sai 2, located in the western piedmonts of the Tian Shan in Uzbekistan. Technological analyzes enabled the identification of an asymmetric core reduction scheme accompanied by a Levallois-like predetermined knapping scheme, along with the production of truncated-faceted pieces and burin-cores. Moreover, the results show a direct relationship between the presence of truncated-faceted pieces or burin-cores and both core reduction schemes, as long as truncated-faceted pieces were mostly produced from débordant blades and flakes. Chronostratigraphic studies enabled the precise chronology of the assemblage to be determined as 68–57 ka BP. This raises questions about the origins of traits usually associated with the Initial Upper Palaeolithic in Central Asia and their roots in local Levallois-based assemblages.