Fig 1.
Map showing the study region (Alay Valley), as it relates to key geographic features.
The sites addressed in the present study (1, Chegirtke Cave/Chegirtke Canyon/Kyzyl-Unkur, and 2, the Alay Site) are situated in the Alay Valley, nestled between the Alay and the Pamir mountain ranges in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Fig 2.
Pedestrian survey area north of Kabyk village, including locations of study sites: 1) Chegirtke Cave, 2) Chegirtke Canyon, and 3) Kyzyl-Unkur.
Fig 3.
Map of the Alay Site and archaeological test pits/collection area, as they relate to topographical and modern features.
Fig 4.
Plan view sketch of Chegirtke Cave entrance and associated habitation structures.
Table 1.
Radiocarbon dates from 2017 fieldwork in the Alay Valley.
Fig 5.
West profile of test Pit 1, Chegirtke Cave.
Unit was excavated to a depth of 80 cm, without reaching bedrock. Locations of animal bone within the profile are labeled with red dots, and the stone core tool location is labeled with blue.
Fig 6.
Collagen peptide-based identifications for Layer 2 at Chegirtke, grouped into cladogram by general phylogenetic relationships.
Specimens with a grey circle are missing necessary peptide markers for more detailed identification, and silhouettes depict a range of possible taxa that specimens in that category may derive from.
Fig 7.
Early Medieval habitation site at Kyzyl-Unkur, showing visible structure wall.
Fig 8.
A) View of Chegirtke Canyon Structures 1 and 2, on the northern bank of a small creek. View to south, and B) Plan view sketch of Chegirtke Canyon Structure 2, showing two-room mudbrick structure and location of nearby cultural and topographic features.
Table 2.
Genetic identification of species and sex of Equus specimens found in Alay archaeological contexts through DNA sequencing.
Fig 9.
Grinding stone recovered from the surface within Chegirtke Cave, Structure 1.
Fig 10.
Species richness from ZooMS analysis of faunal remains from habitation structures in the survey area, along with approximate age.
Specimens with lower levels of taxonomic specificity have been excluded from this table.