Land (Jul 2024)

Terminal Pleistocene Human Occupation of the Qomolangma Region: New Evidence from the Su-re Site

  • Ziyi Yang,
  • Yingshuai Jin,
  • Yunyao Tan,
  • Junyi Ge,
  • Shejiang Wang,
  • Xing Gao,
  • John W. Olsen,
  • Xiaoling Zhang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071064
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 7
p. 1064

Abstract

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Lithic artifacts are crucial for elucidation of the temporal and spatial patterns of prehistoric human occupation of the Tibetan Plateau. Core-and-flake technology is particularly noteworthy, as it is distinguished by its broad temporal span and widespread distribution across the plateau. In this study, we present the results of a reassessment of the lithic assemblage from the Su-re site in Tingri County, Shigatse City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Its resemblance to lithic assemblages from Southwestern China implies a close relationship between the plateau and its southeastern vicinity, contributing to the diversification of technology and prehistoric humans on the Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, gneissic pebbles transported by glacial meltwater in the Tingri Graben—the most suitable raw material available in the vicinity—explains the presence of prehistoric humans in the inhospitable Qomolangma region.

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