Burin-core technology and laminar reduction sequences in the initial Upper Paleolithic from Kara-Bom (Gorny-Altai, Siberia)

Using a taphonomic and techno-economic approach, we describe the laminar reduction sequences from levels 5 and 6 of Kara-Bom, Gorny Altai, Siberia. The reconstructed technological system includes the production of large laminar blanks, convergent laminar flakes, and small laminar blanks, transcending analytic categories such as blades and bladelets. The burin-core technology is integrated into the general knapping strategy using byproducts from the large blade production as core blanks. The Kara-Bom Initial Upper Paleolithic is associated with the production of ornamental items such as perforated ungulate teeth and is dated around 43 ka uncal. BP.