Manuports as Evidence of Nonutilitarian Behaviors in the Upper Palaeolithic of Transbaikalia

The Upper Palaeolithic sites of Eastern and Westernin Transbaikalia yielded a number of non-utilitarian objects which were collected and brought to the sites because of their unusual appearance (raw material, shape, color). These manuports show either no visible signs of human agency, or such signs are limited to stressing some natural traits. The paper provides an overview of most of such objects, the collecting of which seems to have been a widespread practice that took place during the whole period of the Upper Paleolithic. on the Transbaikal territory and have been taking the place during all the Upper Palaeolithic. The objects in question could be used in rituals and/or games, or also could serve to enhance the status of their possessors.