Reindeer engraved on a limestone block, from Limeuil (Dordogne)

Plaque de calcaire gravée de Limeuil (Dordogne)
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When this site was excavated in the early 20th century, archaeologists found a large number of engravings dating from the Late Magdalenian. On this stone, which is approximately 30 cm long, we can see a reindeer depicted in the typical Magdalenian style. The position of its body is very realistic, as is the perspective. Reindeer were hunted everywhere at this time, but have been depicted by the Late Magdalenians in Périgord more often than elsewhere, in particular on stones. We would like to know what ritual these stones were associated with. They are often in fragments and were sometimes reused in hearths and paving. MAN56751.22. Object conserved at the musée d'Archéologie nationale at Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (MAN)/Chauchat

Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (MAN)/Chauchat

Source

Vist the site : Étiolles, Palaeolithic encampments