Khalvasht

Khalvasht is a Late Paleolithic rockshelter situated in the Amarlou region of Gilan Province, northern Iran. The shelter, positioned at an elevation of approximately 1100 meters above sea level, offers a strategic location facing south at the base of extensive conglomerate outcrops. This site provides valuable insights into the life of Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherers with evidence pointing to its occupation between 18,000 and 12,000 years ago. Archaeological findings at Khalvasht, including stone artifacts such as flakes, blades, and a core tablet, are crafted from various chert types available locally. These artifacts suggest the presence of a skilled tool-making community utilizing available resources. Khalvasht serves as an important site for understanding human adaptation and tool production during the Upper Paleolithic period in this region.