Joint Russian-Chinese excavations of ISU Research Centre “Baikal Region” and Research Center for Chinese Frontier Archaeology of Jilin University are taking place in Usolsky District. Studies of multilayered archeological sites are taking place at the Belaya river bank near the village Kholmushino.

Now experts are cleaning out the living surface of the Early Neolithic on the hunter-forager settlement site. Scientists have discovered more than 30 hearths and pits, as well as many archaeological finds. Fragments of ceramic vessels, arrowheads, a fish hook, various stone tools and items made of green jade were excavated at the site of the settlement.

Professor Wang Lixin, director of the Research Center for Chinese Frontier Archaeology of Jilin University:

The data from those studies allow to specify the chronological order of prehistorical cultures in Southern Angara region as well as clarify certain aspects of Neolithic economic models in the region and their interaction with cross-border regions’ cultures. In addition, this site has great academic value for understanding the similar models of the Early Neolithic in China. I believe it will contribute to the development of our archeological studies in the future. I would like to express my gratitude to the Russian scientists for their careful work and wonderful attitude towards the cooperation.

During the excavations, the archeologists of the two countries are exchanging their techniques, methods and concepts of work. The project works are being held for a month and will be continued. The territory of the excavations is called “Kholmushino” – it is an archeological excavation, a multicultural site divided into different historical layers. The scientists anticipate that studying the finds of this site can lead to new discoveries.