The beginnings of prehistoric agriculture in the Russian Far East: Current evidence and concepts

Yaroslav V. Kuzmin

doi:10.4312/dp.40.1

Authors

Yaroslav V. Kuzmin Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.40.1

Keywords:

Russian Far East, Late Neolithic, Zaisanovka culture, prehistoric agriculture, millet

Abstract

The current situation with studies of prehistoric plant cultivation in the Russian Far East is presented. A critical analysis of existing concepts and models of the oldest agriculture in this region is also included. Reliable data allows us to conclude that humans in the southern Russian Far East (Primorye Province) began to cultivate millet at c. 4700–4600 BP (c. 3600–3400 calBC) in the context of the early Zaisanovka cultural complex of the Late Neolithic. The most probable source area for prehistoric agriculture in the Russian Far East was neighbouring Northeast China (Manchuria).