(Source: http://www.dvfu.ru/web/smi-dvfu)

International archaeological expedition sponsored by the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) discovered on the Russky Island a seasonal camp of ancient people aged between 4.5 and 6 thousand years.

At the site were found preserved fireplaces, kitchen utensils, arms, food and decorations. The site is situated in the Boyarin Bay. Not far from the coast, the scientists have discovered a so-called shell- or kitchen heap, in which were found the utensil remains. Archaeologists suggest that this place served as a seasonal camp for people for hundreds of years. "They left a kind of an ancient landfill, which archaeologists call the shellheap. This site is unique since it made possible to preserve the objects made of bone and the organic material, which we would not find in other circumstances," the head of the expedition, Director of Educational and Scientific Museum of FEFU Alexander Popov said. Archaeological expedition on the Russky Island began on July 28 and will last until August 22. Scientists can already guess how ancient people settled down in the territory of present Primorye. "Our findings reflect the ways of adapting of ancient people.

There is a variety of items related to hunting: arrowheads, spears, harpoons, scrapers for currying. Almost all of it made of stone. Of particular interest are two beads made of bone and obsidian," the graduate student of the FEFU School of Humanities, Boris Lazin said. The main task of the expedition is the scientific study, so it involved students from different FEFU courses and schools at most. Graduates from Ecuador attended the expedition to the Russky Island along with young FEFU scientists. The expedition is funded by Scientific Foundation of the Far Eastern Federal University.

The excavation is part of a joint international project. "In September, a delegation of FEFU archaeologists will head to Ecuador and will continue archaeological researches there. It would be interesting to compare the results, because it sometimes happens that different human communities are equally responsive to global changes in climate and landscape," Mr. Popov said. Scientists have a lot of work to do ahead. Firstly, the shellheap was not researched entirely, and secondly, the field work is just the beginning of the archaeological project. A part of discovered objects will be culled, a part to be studied. But then, anyone can personally see the items remained from ancient people in the FEFU Educational Scientific Museum.