Faunal Remains from the Early Complexes of the Sagan-Zaba II Multilayered Habitation Site (9120–7880 cal. BP) in the Cis-Baikal: Planigraphy, Subsistence Patterns, and Seasonality
Abstract
This article is the first publication to analyze faunal remains from early complexes (layers VII and VI) at the multilayer settlement of Sagan-Zaba II, situated on the western shore of Lake Baikal. We discuss species composition of fauna from the site as well as associated radiocarbon dates, age and sex designations, spatial distribution, and their overall selection as it relates to site seasonality. We address the previously-defi ned potential offset between uncalibrated dates from remains of ungulates and seals at the site, relating to the problem of “old” carbon in Lake Baikal. For layer VII, this offset is 682 years on average, and for layer VI it is 509 years. Taking the offset from nerpa bones into account, layers VII and VI now appear to date to the period between 9120 and 7880 cal BP. An analysis of faunal materials from the early complexes of the Sagan-Zaba II settlement indicates that inhabitants of this site hunted nerpa seals, ungulates, and other mammals as well as birds and fi sh, demonstrating a complex use of natural resources. Most likely, sites featured short-term, seasonal occupations, as indicated by the distribution of hearths and other materials, the thickness of hearth features, and the absence of specialized production areas. Results of an analysis of dentine layers from cross-sections of nerpa teeth as well as the presence of faunal bones that are only available during the hotter months of the year in the Cis-Baikal region, are consistent with a model of spring and summer site use.
About the Authors
T. Y. Nomokonova
University of British Columbia, 1147 Research Road, V1V 1V7, Kelowna, Okanagan, BC, Canada
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
O. I. Goriunova
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia Irkutsk State University Karla Marksa 1, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
R. J. Losey
University of Alberta, 13-15 HM Tory Building, T6G 2H4, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
A. G. Novikov
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia Irkutsk State University Karla Marksa 1, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
A. W. Weber
University of Alberta, 13-15 HM Tory Building, T6G 2H4, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Aix-Marseille University, 5 rue du Château de l’Horloge – B.P. 647, 13094 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 2, France
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Nomokonova T.Y., Goriunova O.I., Losey R.J., Novikov A.G., Weber A.W. Faunal Remains from the Early Complexes of the Sagan-Zaba II Multilayered Habitation Site (9120–7880 cal. BP) in the Cis-Baikal: Planigraphy, Subsistence Patterns, and Seasonality. Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia. 2016;44(3):37-46. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2016.44.3.037-046
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