Identifying Markers for Copro-Analysis of Archaeological Deposits: A Study of Materials from the Selungur Cave (Southern Kyrgyzstan)

Introduction. The article discusses the results of a study of ash layers from Holocene deposits at the Selungur (Surungur) Cave. Goals. So, the work attempts a practical evaluation of a method of identifying coprostanols in archaeological sediments. The investigation of Holocene deposits of the site was carried out in 2018 and 2021 field seasons. The study identifies a total of 7 Holocene layers that represent the typical ‘fumier’ facies of cave and rock shelter deposits connected to pastoralism and animal husbandry practices, and built up of stratified layers of burnt herbivore dung. The sequence contains a record of multiple earthquakes that disturbed the sediments and effected in water escape structures, plastic deformations, and faults. Nevertheless, the stratigraphy remains easily readable. Unfortunately, archaeological and paleofaunistic materials were never found but a series of ash-containing interlayers suggests that the cave was repeatedly visited by ancient humans. Materials. In the ash deposits, our micro charcoal analysis has identified areas of concentration of burnt dungs which was used for fire. Series of samples were taken throughout the section of Holocene deposits for gas mass spectrometry analysis. The research efforts have also included the analysis of modern dung from herbivores inhabiting the area, such as cows, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys, for the latter obtained data to serve as a reference collection. Results. Unfortunately, layer 7 of the Selungur Cave proved characterized by poor preservation of fire products, while layers 6–1 yielded somewhat rich data. The obtained results make it possible to identify coprosterols and determine that equine dung was used in layers 6-2 as a fuel, and goat dung — in the first layer. The most widespread distribution of equines in this region occurred during the existence of Dayuan (Parkan) state, in the third century BC and later in the Middle Ages. Most likely, during these periods the mountain corridor comprising the Selungur Cave could have been used as a pass of the Silk Road that connected the Fergana and Alay valleys. The accumulation of the upper layer, in our opinion, is associated with the modern era.

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