Preliminary study on the stone artifacts from Gemucuo basin, central Qiangtang, northern Tibet, China

Large amount of stone artifacts are discovered around Gemucuo, hinterland of Qiangtang basin, northern Tibet, including small cores, small blades, flakes and flake-tools, and large chopping implements and polished tools have not been found in this area. The stone artifacts show no erosion attrition, and therefore they belong to situ accumulation, and have not been transported after the later period. Preliminary study on stone artifacts indicates that they are small types, and the main raw materials used are agate, flint and silicite. By comparing these artifacts with that of Shenzha and Shuanghu sites in north Tibet, it can be concluded that they have similar cultural context and the same origin, and they belong to a part of the microlithic culture of North China. In addition, the age of the stone artifacts is also discussed in this paper. According to the stone artifacts assemblage, technology characteristics and the process of environmental transforming status, it is suggested that the date of Gemucuo site can be attributed to Early Neolithic.