Landscape, economy and complexity in light of the Crimean Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic data (preliminary analysis)

The current state of hunter‑gatherer research is specifically concerned with a multi‑aspectual approach to archaeological data. Its particular contribution lies in developing a comprehensive definition of culture. The paper undertakes to discuss the Crimean Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic records from different points of view, namely ecology, technology, typology, subsistence strategy, mortuary practices and symbolism. The method points to the notion that landscape diversity and ungulate biology are useful to the definition of mobility. The particular evidence of the mutilated hands as part of specific ritual activity, as well symbolic depictions on the pit grave ceiling, mark the mortuary practice. The model biases relations of the social and economic factors specific to this case.