Crvena Stijena excavations 2004–2006: preliminary report

The excavations and geological studies made in 2004–2006 at the Paleolithic site of Crvena Stijena in Montenegro are described in preliminary form. Earlier excavations had removed virtually all of the layers later than the Middle Paleolithic, as well as a large part of the Middle Paleolithic, leaving a 9 m tall profile through these deposits. A small deposit of intact Mesolithic layers remained, however, and the Mesolithic materials recovered in 2004–2006 are presented in some detail, along with accompanying 14C dates. Geological investigations were made of the entire remaining section of Middle Paleolithic deposits. These studies demonstrated that the numerous charcoal- and ash-rich layers visible in section are in situ hearths. Lying directly on top of the Middle Paleolithic layers is a layer of volcanic ash, which was identified as the Y5 tephra, or Campanian Ignimbrite, dated to 39,000–41,000 BP. The 2004–2006 excavations did not reach the Middle Paleolithic layers, but access has been prepared for future excavations in these layers. So far, only a few Middle Paleolithic tools and a single Neanderthal tooth have been recovered from the cleaning of the profile of these layers.