PRELIMINARY STUDY ON MICROLITHIC-CONTAINING REMAINS FROM THE EAST JILIN PROVINCE,CHINA
吉林东部含细石器遗存的初步研究

Among 12 recently discovered sites in the east of Jilin Province,9 contain microlithic stone artifacts and 8 sites(Shirengou,Helong;Liudong,Helong;Beishan,Hunchun;Shaojiadian,Huinan;Xishan,Fusongxintun;Lixin,Antu;Shajingou,Antu;Qingtou,Helong)are analyzed and studied by the authors.Ages of these sites were determined as Late Paleolithic or even later.Besides providing research background for each site,we have studied both microlithic stone artifacts and associated non-microlithic ones.The microlithic core can be divided into the wedge-shaped core of A type,the ship-shaped core of B type,and the conical core of C type.A and B can be further divided into two sub-types: A1,A2 and B1,B2,respectively.The techniques are also discussed from aspects of exploitation,flaking and retouching technique.For non-microlithic artifacts we analyzed their raw materials,technology,size,and typology and the main result shows that they are characterized by obsidian materials,hard hammer technique,small size with the exception of Antu Lixin and mixed direct and indirect preparation works.The paper summarizes major Paleolithic archaeological discoveries,research achievements and their importance in the study of Paleolithic archaeology in North East China.The capability and strategies of hominids in exploiting raw materials(obsidian) and modifying stone tools are discussed from the view of behavioral and adaptive perspectives.The authors conclude that these microlithic-containing remains can be divided into groups of three types: a group dominated by microlithic artifacts;a group dominated by small artifacts,and a group dominated by big artifacts.It is indicated that the origin of the microlithic technology in East Jilin Province might be from North China.