Detail of one of the blocks discovered by Léon Henri-Martin during excavations of the Solutrean layers of the Roc-de-Sers Shelter at Sers (Charente). The Roc de Sers blocks display a high level of mastery of sculpting and engraving techniques. Some show "superimposed" figures, the initial figures being partially or fully erased by picking, whereupon the second figures are sculpted. This process reveals the complex symbolic nature of prehistoric art. The sculptures predominantly depict animal figures (horses, bison and ibex, along with reindeer and a bird, as well as two schematic human figures and symbols (dots). This exceptional ensemble is proof of both an excellent sense of volume and great attention to detail.

Blocks displayed in the Palaeolithic Gallery of the National Archaeology Museum/Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

MAN74 483