THE LITHIC INDUSTRY OF OBI-RAKHMAT GROTTO, UZBEKISTAN

The analysis of the Obi-Rakhmat archaeological materials provides us with data suggesting a process of gradual transition from the Middle to Upper Paleolithic occurring in western Central Asia. The chronometric dates available for the site indicate that the developmental processes described above occurred prior to 50,000 years ago. This new adaptation was based on Levallois technology aimed at the production of laminar blanks. The Obi-Rakhmat industry demonstrates technical and typological features similar to those noted in Late Mousterian and early Upper Paleolithic complexes in Southwest Asia and the Russian Altai