Innovations in Microblade Core Production at the Tigrovy-8 Late Palaeolithic Quarry in Eastern Russia

Abstract

The importance of innovative behavior in highly resource-poor seasonal environments is highlighted by the flexible stone working technology at the Tigrovy-8 late Pleistocene basaltic glass quarry, recently discovered in the Primorye region of eastern Russia. Although risky, investing time and energy in developing new flaking techniques was particularly important in this setting, because multiple strategies could help prevent failure in acquiring adequate resources. Spatial differentiation in quarrying and artifact production was identified at Tigrovy-8. Variations in the cores and associated waste by-products show that innovative techniques were developed to convert small, tabular pieces of volcanic glass formed on the exteriors of pillow lavas into preformed microblade cores. Together with the development of these appropriate core preparation strategies, the exploitation of small outcrops of high quality raw material ensured predictable and secure supplies of the microblades necessary for effective hunting weapons.