Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇷🇺 Irkutsk, Mal'ta, Russia
About
About Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache
Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache in Irkutsk, Mal'ta, Russia is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 52.8470N 103.5230E controls access to Irkutsk resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Irkutsk, Mal'ta, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1999 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache main structure
c. 1539 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1999–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
52.8470° N · 103.5230° E · 375 m · 3 mapped features
Mal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
52.8478° N · 103.5239° EMal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
52.8460° N · 103.5223° EMal'ta Burial 14 Figurine Cache — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
52.8485° N · 103.5242° E