Zhokhov Island

Zhokhov Island is a small Arctic island in the East Siberian Sea, part of Russia’s high Arctic archipelagos. It is best known for an early Holocene archaeological site that documents human occupation and animal use in a polar environment.

Archaeological excavations on the island have produced stone and bone tools, hunting remains and faunal evidence that researchers interpret as showing sophisticated reindeer hunting and early use of sled dogs by hunters several thousand years ago. The finds are central to discussions of Arctic adaptation in the late Mesolithic to early Neolithic period.

The island lies in the East Siberian Sea within Russia’s Arctic maritime zones; it is isolated, icebound for much of the year, and far from major population centers, making it accessible primarily to scientific teams.

• Mesolithic finds: Important for Mesolithic archaeology - excavations recovered stone and bone tools plus evidence interpreted as early dog domestication and transport use.
• Remote access: Remote Arctic location with no permanent population; access requires ice-capable logistics and is usually restricted to research expeditions.

What to See #

• Archaeological site: An archaeological locus where Mesolithic-age camp sites and artifacts have been excavated, producing early evidence for sled-dog use and reindeer hunting.