Hearths in the Structure of the 3d Cultural Layer of Eastern Complex on Podzvonkaya Site
The detailed description of the hearths from the Eastern complex of the Palaeolithic site Podzvonkaya in Western Transbaikalia is given in the article. On the base of analysis of forms and lining character and also fire-place organization, 4 types of hearths are distinguished. The distribution of the hearths on the territory of Podzvonkaya Eastern complex is described in the article. In the course of investigations on Podzvonkaya Eastern complex a new type of hearth for Transbaikal - representing an inner section (loculus) - are revealed. Fire in such hearths was started in loculus dug-out in earth. Analysis of the hearths’ structure and the artifacts found in the hearths shows that ancient population on the south of Western Transbaikalia on the stage of Upper Palaeolithic made actions marking the ceasing of the hearths’ functioning. On the base of the archeological data the author comes to the conclusion about hearth cult existing on the early stage of the Upper Palaeolithic.