Definition: The Afontova culture is the name given to one of two Upper paleolithic cultures in Siberia, about 22,000-14,000 years before the present (the other is Mal'ta, although some researchers combine the two). The culture is characterized by a wide variety of edge-trimmed flake tools; and it is followed chrononologically by the Dyuktai tradition. Modern human (i.e., Homo sapiens sapiens) remains from the sites of Afontova Gora II and Mal'ta contain the first evidence of Mongoloid features in Siberia, circa 21,000 years BP.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Afontova Gora-Oshurkovo; Mal’ta-afontova Tradition
