On the relationship between the Neolithic and Eneolithic periods in the steppe Volga region (based on the 2024 excavations of the Algay site)

The relevance of this study is conditioned by identification of the ratio between Neolithic and Eneolithic complexes in the region under consideration. The scientific novelty is determined by as well stratigraphical data as original stone artifacts. The scientific significance is explained by the results of investigations that could be used in other regions beyond of borders of this territory. The planographic analysis registered in the different parts of site the finds belonged to different periods and different cultures in the upper horizon. During the excavation of 2024 the ceramics and point of the Bronze Age have been found. Below this layer, the cultural horizon with ceramics and stone inventory of Eneolithic was excavated. Original finds in this layer are numerous quartzite bifacial tools, including the point of the Khvalinian type. Below, under the sterile layer, there is the Neolithic Orlovskaya cultural layer. The pottery from this horizon was made of clay with organic solution and crushed shells. The vessels have straight walls and flat bottoms. They were ornamented in technique of retired pricks. Among the tools, the pointed scrapers prevailed. There are the symmetrical perforators and trapezes with planed back in stone tool collection. The bones of animals are represented by the remains of aurochs, tarpon, clean and sage. According to the radiocarbon dates, the upper layer of the Orlovskaya culture belongs to 6200 BP, but the Eneolithic layer is 5600 BP.