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Castel-Merle - Vallon des Roches
Panorama of some of the main sites in the Vallon des Roches, Castel-Merle, including l'abri Blanchard, l'abri Castanet, and l'abri Castanet II.
Because this is stitched together from a number of photos, it appears that the cliff falls away on each side of the viewpoint. In fact the cliff line is relatively straight.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
The site of Castel-Merle is also known as Vallon des Roches, also the name of the small creek that runs through it and joins the Vézère. It is located near the town of Sergeac on the Vézère River between Lascaux and the shelter of Moustier, near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac . This prehistoric site has the distinction of having its own museum where there are many artefacts from the various excavations of rock shelters, with six necklaces dating from the Aurignacian and Magdalenian (among the oldest in Europe). The Vallon des Roches has a unique geological formation. It consists of high parallel cliffs closer than 100 metres across the little valley and comprising six shelters spread over 400 metres, giving one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric settlements of Aquitaine. The overhanging parts of these shelters have collapsed, mainly towards the end of the last glaciation, and thus ensured very good protection for the archaeological layers.
These shelters were occupied successively by Neanderthals at l'Abri des Merveilles and at Blanchard II, then by Cro-Magnons, who mainly occupied the shelters located in the opposite cliffs of the Vallon des Roches, with more sunlight, as they face east and west instead of north. These abris include Reverdit, Roc de l'Acier, Labattut and Souquette as well as Castanet and Blanchard I. These are now able to be seen more easily by visitors as they have been partially cleared and excavated. In this research, deposits dated to the Aurignacian, Gravettian, the Solutrean and Magdalenian have been discovered. Thousands of flints have been assigned to specific Cro-Magnon, industries, and painted and carved and engraved blocks have been found as well as eyed needles.
Text above adapted from Wikipedia.
My sincere thanks to Carolyn Hailstones, a UK archaeologist, for making available many of the photographs on this page.
Castel-Merle is an archaeological area beside the Vézère River and in a side valley consisting of these sites:
- Abri Blanchard 1
- Abri Blanchard 2
- Abri Castanet
- Abri Labattut
- Abri des Merveilles
- Abri Reverdit
- Abri de la Souquette
- Abri du Roc de l'Acier
Map of sites in the Vézère Valley of France, including Castel-Merle - Vallon des Roches.
If you click on the map you will see a larger map with the ability to click on the sites marked with a red dot and get further information.
Photo: Don Hitchcock
Looking towards Abri Blanchard (left) and Abri Castanet (right) down the Vallon des Roches, towards the Vézère River, from the position of Abri Reverdit.
Photo: © By kind permission of Eric Le Brun http://elebrun.canalblog.com/
Eric also has an excellent site for children, in French, about a Cro-Magnon child, at:
http://ticayou.canalblog.com/
The east cliff face of the Castel-Merle vallon. Shown are the sites of Abri Castanet I on the left, below the distinctive tree shaped dead creeper on the cliff, and Abri Castanet II on the right with the temporary roof.
Because this is stitched together from a number of photos, it appears that the cliff falls away on each side of the viewpoint. In fact the cliff line is relatively straight.
(Note that this photo demonstrates that the whole area has been cleaned up of rank vegetation since I was there in 2008 - Don )
Photo: © Mathew Sisk
Date: 2010.07.10
Source: http://www.gigapan.org/gigapans/56797/snapshots/178383
By 2014 stinging nettles had started to take over the area, but the distinctive tree shaped dead creeper was still visible.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Map of the important archaeological sites of Castel-Merle.
1. Sous-le-Roc
2. Les Merveilles
3. abri Blanchard des Roches
4. abri Castenet
5. abri Reverdit
6. Rochers de l'Acier
7. abri Labattut
8. abri de la Souquette
( note that 1 and 2, Sous-le-Roc and Les Merveilles, have been switched in position when compared with all the other maps below, and according to my survey of the area - Don )
Source and text: Delage (1935)
Proximal source: Bourdier (2014)
Map of the important archaeological sites of Castel-Merle.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
(note that Peyrony had north and south reversed. I have corrected this and fixed the lettering on the map. McCurdy's map, below, is also misoriented, though not by as much - Don )
Text to accompany the map:
Carte de situation des gisements préhistoriques de Castelmerle, commune de Sergeac (Dordogne):
1. abri des Merveilles
2. partie vierge (blank area, presumably unexcavated, or not worth excavating)
3. Second abri Blanchard, also known as Sous Castel-Merle
4. partie vierge (blank area, presumably unexcavated, or not worth excavating)
5. abri Blanchard des Roches
6. abri Castanet
7. partie vierge (blank area, presumably unexcavated, or not worth excavating)
8. abri Reverdit
9. rochers de l'Acier
10. abri Labattut
11. abri de la Souquette
12. ferme de Castel-Merle
Palaeolithic stations at Castel-Merle, Sergeac.
1. La Souquette: Middle and Upper Aurignacian, Magdalenian
2. Labatut : Upper Aurignacian (two levels), Solutrean.
3. Roc de l'Acier: Upper Aurignacian.
4. Reverdit: Lower Magdalenian, including mural figures.
5. Reverdit II: Magdalenian.
6. Castanet: Aurignacian.
7. Blanchard: Aurignacian (two levels).
8. Les Merveilles: Mousterian (two levels), Upper Aurignacian.
9. Sous Castel-Merle, also known as Blanchard II: Mousterian (two levels), Upper Aurignacian.
(note that this map is not oriented correctly. It should be rotated by more than 45° clockwise to agree with reality. See the Google Earth image below - Don )
Photo: MacCurdy (1930)
Location of l'abri des Merveilles:
Latitude 45.000505° N
Longitude 1.101917° E
Photo: Google Earth
Recent map of the area.
Map of the vallon des Roches (after Sonneville-Bordes, 1960, modified) and the location of the different excavated sectors at Castanet and Blanchard.
1: abri de La Souquette
2: abri Labattut
3: abri du Roc de l’Acier
4: abri Reverdit
5: abri Castanet
6: abri Blanchard
7: abri Blanchard II
8: abri des Merveilles
CAD: L. Chiotti
Source & text: Chiotti et al. (2015)
Abri Castanet I and II
Abri Castanet I
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Abri Castanet I
The red rectangles delineate recognisable features on the cliff face to compare this photo with others.
Photo: Père Igor, 12 September 2011
Permission: Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Abri Castanet I in 2008
At that time there was a lot of vegetation obscuring the cliff line, so I walked close to the abris from Abri Castanet I to the head of the Vallon des Roches, taking photos along the way.
Fortunately, vegetation had been cleared immediately in front of the cliff line.
The red rectangles delineate recognisable features on the cliff face to compare this photo with others.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri Castanet I
The end of the Vallon des Roches, showing Abri Castanet on the right, with Abri Blanchard further on down the cliff line.
The distinctively tree shaped creeper on the cliff face has turned brown by this time, probably because its lower trunk was cut off when the vegetation was cleared away. It was still alive in 2008, as can be seen in my photo above.
The red rectangles delineate recognisable features on the cliff face of Abri Castanet to compare this photo with others.
Photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
Date: ~ 2011.
Abri Castanet II
Two stitched photos of the ongoing excavations at Abri Castanet II
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri Castanet II
Abri Castanet II has been the subject of an ongoing French-American excavation under the direction of Randall White that has uncovered hundreds of stone tools, bone and antler weapons and ivory beads.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Dr. Randall White is Professor of Anthropology at the Center for the Study of Human Origins (CSHO) in the Department of Anthropology at New York University.
He is one of the world’s leading specialists in the study of Palaeolithic art and personal adornment, and has made very significant discoveries at Castel-Merle.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014 at the site of Le Cellier, France
Dr White writes, at White (2007):
New excavations at Abri Castanet, first begun in 1994 in collaboration between Jacques Pelegrin, and myself continue today under my direction. The stratigraphy is proving to be much more complicated than that proposed by Denis Peyrony (1935), who recognized two Aurignacian levels.
In our terms, a primary archaeological level situated on bedrock is attributed to a variant of the Early Aurignacian very poor in burins and perforators. This level (Niveau archéologique de base or NAB) is composed of a number of sedimentary subdivisions that are still being sorted out by our research. The total area excavated for the moment is approximately 10 m2.
Table 24.2.
|
| ||
| Lab no. | Stratigraphic layer | Date cal. bp |
| GifA 99165 | Stratigraphic Zone 114 | 31 430±390 |
| GifA 99179 | Stratigraphic Zone 122 | 32 310±520 |
| GifA 99180 | Stratigraphic Zone 122 | 32 950±520 |
| GifA 99166 | Stratigraphic Zone 131 | 34 320±520 |
A first series of four AMS dates (Valladas et al. 2007) yielded values as shown in Table 24.2. More dates are currently being processed in collaboration with Paul Mellars and the Oxford accelerator.
Abri Castanet II.
On the right are the recent excavations by Randall White of Castanet II. Peyrony's 1911-1912 excavations (Castanet I) are further to the left, out of frame in this photo.
Photo: http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/anthro/programs/csho/whiteimages.html
Abri Castanet II excavation.
This was the only part of the whole Abri Castanet/Abri Blanchard area under active exploration in 2008. The rest of the site was under tangled vegetation, though by 2012 that had all been removed.
I presume that the recent publication of the discovery of a vulva (see below) on a 1.5 tonne limestone block was from the excavation in these photos.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
M. Castanet showing visitors the dig at Castanet II. There is now the opportunity to get a guided tour of the whole Castel-Merle/Vallon des Roches area.
See http://www.castel-merle.com/
The site is open from April 9 to 30 September from 10.00 to 18.00, closed most Saturdays.
M. Castanet was a wonderful man, a national treasure. Sadly, he is no longer with us.
Photo: http://www.castel-merle.com/
This may be the next area to be dug, between Castanet II and Castanet I. Perhaps it will be called Castanet III.
The caption says:
A view of the excavation site at Castanet. The central sector has not yet been excavated, while the southern sector has been explored since 1995.
Photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
I presume that the 'central sector' mentioned above is the area circled on this photo.
Photo: Google Earth
The locations of the two sectors of Abri Castanet discussed.
Photo and text: White et al. (2012)
Vulvas from Abri Castanet, shown here in a sloping display case, labelled as number 1 discovered by Peyrony in the sketch below.
Peyrony's sketch shows this piece as an unbroken slab of rock, not broken as here, and is rotated clockwise by about 135 degrees compared with this photo.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Gravures
Une pierre calcaire profondément gravée, dont plusieurs fragments ont été rencontrés épars dans la couche, a été en partie reconstituée. Elle présente quatre images plus ou moins bien conservées d'organes sexuels féninins. Dans l'angle d'un bloc, plus volumineux, on en remarque un autre.
Ces dessins, dont les contours sont formés d'un double sillon, se sont rencontrés plus nombreux à l'abri Blanchard des Roches, tout à côté, mais traités plus simplement. On les observés dans beaucoup de gisements de même époque du Périgord: La Ferrassie, l'abri du Poisson*, l'abri Cellier au Ruth, etc.
* Dans cet habitat, les gravures ont été trouvées dans les déblais des anciens fouilleurs qui ne s'étaient pas aperçus de leur présence. Il est probable qu'il en a été de même dans d'autres gisements fouilles aussi peu méthodiquement.
Peyrony (1935)
Engravings
Several fragments of a deeply carved piece of limestone which were encountered scattered in the layer were fitted together as far as possible. There are four representations, more or less well preserved, of feminine sexual organs. In the corner of another larger block, another was discovered.
These drawings, whose contours are formed by a double groove, were more numerous in the abri Blanchard des Roches, next door, but were treated more simply. They are observed in many gisements of the same Perigord perios: La Ferrassie, l'abri du Poisson*, l'abri Cellier au Ruth, etc.
*In this habitat, the prints were found in the rubble of the old diggers who did not notice their presence. It is probable that there were many more similar carvings in other gisements which had as little care and methodology in their excavations.
Peyrony (1935)
Castanet and Blanchard shelters (Sergeac, Dordogne) - representative archaeological remains of the Aurignacian culture.
1: Bone industry
2: Lithic industry
3: Bead industry
4: Cave art.
Photo and text: Mensan et al. (2012)
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Necklace of beads with teeth and shells.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Text: https://www.photo.rmn.fr
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Engraved bones.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015, 2018
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Text: https://www.photo.rmn.fr
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Five split base spear points, typical of the Aurignacian.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
(left): Biseau.
( This is labelled as a biseau, or bevel. Possibly it was used in a similar manner to a ciseau, or wedge, in splitting antler and bone - Don )
(right): Lissoir.
( note that this lissoir has been modified in the manner of a very much smaller shouldered flint point to accept a shaft, or in this case, a handle - Don )
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
(left and centre): Two spear points.
(right): Blade.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018, 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Grattoir caréné - carinated scraper.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Grattoirs - scrapers.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
(left): Split base spear point.
(right): Lissoir, used for working leather.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Pierced baton, a tool which first made its appearance in the Aurignacian.
( there are many theories as to its use, the most common cited being the straightening of wooden spear shafts - Don )
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Bone awl, used for making holes in leather.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Engraved bone.
( This is in fact an idiophone, a musical instrument, played by running a stick along either side, as can be seen by the well worn notches on the top and bottom of this image, put there expressly for this purpose - Don )
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Grattoirs, or scrapers, made on a blade.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
Grattoir caréné, or carinated/keeled scraper.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Castanet.
(left): Burin.
(right): Perçoir or Drill.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Left: stratigraphic record of D. Peyrony.
Right: stratigraphy conducted in 2007
Photo and text: Mensan et al. (2012)
At the top, Peyrony's coupe with block K in place.
At the bottom, Peyrony's coupe with block K removed.
Photo and text: Mensan et al. (2012)
Evolution of the Castanet shelter and formation of the geoarchaeological deposits.
Talweg: the line of lowest elevation within a valley or watercourse.
Aven: A vertical shaft leading upward from a cave passage.
Effondrement: Collapse.
Falaise actuelle: Present day position of the cliff.
Photo captions from left to right:
E= scree
M= limestone massif
C= Castanet south
Peyrony section after extraction of block K
note the presence of the continuity of block K in the section, the formation of scree after ceiling collapse, and the interstitial filling in of scree with carbonated formations.
Photo: Gardère
Source & text: Mensan et al. (2012)
Block K, method of removal, and its reassembly.
Photo and text: Mensan et al. (2012)
Block K.
(A and B) Arrangement of fragments 1–13 of the engraved surface in contact with the archaeological layer.
(C) Broken anneau.
(D) The principal engraved figure.
(E) Detail of zoomorphic figure (rotated 90°).
Photo and text: White et al. (2012)
A vulva from Abri Castanet, showing the relief by careful lighting.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for the photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
Another vulva from Abri Castanet, showing a vulva on a triangular piece of rock.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for the photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
Yet another vulva from Abri Castanet showing a section of the limestone on which it was engraved.
There may be two other, fainter images of vulvas below this one, and there appear to be other engravings on the right hand side.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for this photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
This is a decorated Pierre à Anneau from Abri Castanet.
Pierres à Anneaux were holes tunnelled through the overhanging roof or cliff to form a 'handle' which could then be used to tie the hide curtains to which protected the occupants of the abri from wind and rain and snow. Fallen Pierres à Anneaux may have been used to tie down the bottom of the hide curtains.
This one has been decorated with what is described variously as male or female genitalia.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for the photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
This enigmatic painting may represent either a horse or a bison.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for the photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
The original, and a drawing of it, rotated by 180° to agree with the interpretation by Bourrillon above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
It may, of course, consist of signs only, and not be a representation of an animal at all.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Artefacts characterising the Castanet-type Aurignacian.
(Left)
1, Split-based antler point.
2, Bone awl.
3, Tongued piece in antler.
4, Decorated smoothing tool in herbivore rib.
5, Carinate scraper.
6, Basket-shaped beads and production stages.
7, Facsimile in ivory of a red deer vestigial canine, perforated for suspension.
8, Limestone block engraved with 'vulvar' images.
(Right)
Different species of Atlantic and Mediterranean gastropod species represented in the ornament assemblage at Abri Castanet.
Photo and text: White et al. (2012)
Abri Castanet, a carving of an animal paw print.
Photo and text: Bourrillon, White (2013)
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoirs (scrapers).
(centre) End-scraper on a waisted blade, known in French as a lame étranglée, or strangled blade.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoirs (scrapers)
On the extreme left of the first photograph is a combination burin/scraper, and on the extreme right of the second photograph is a blade with oblique truncation.
In the centre of the first photograph is a nosed scraper, or grattoir à museau.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Truncated blades.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoirs (scrapers).
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoirs carénés (keeled scrapers).
The keeled scraper on the left appears to have a burin and/or a notch for smoothing spears as well.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoir caréné (keeled scraper).
Close up of the keeled scraper on the right of the image above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
(left) Point with abrupt retouch along one edge, typical of the early Aurignacian. See Osborn (1915/2015)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoirs (scrapers).
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
(top) Keeled grattoirs (scrapers).
(bottom) Grattoirs on blades.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
Grattoir (scraper).
Close up of the grattoir on the bottom right of the image above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
(top) Burins.
(bottom left) Perçoir, or drill.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
(top) Perçoir, or drill.
(bottom) Three notched tools, possibly for smoothing spear or dart shafts.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Tools from l'abri Castanet I.
These small Lamelles Dufour were produced as a byproduct of the knapping of carinated and nosed scrapers, and were used as points on spears/darts and as hafted small knives for meat and soft vegetable matter.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Text: Adapted from information from Katzman (PC). My thanks as always.
Lamelle Dufour.
Photo: José-Manuel Benito, released into the public domain
Source: Wikipedia
Bone tools from l'abri Castanet I.
Aurignacian.
(left) A bone point (Pointe à base fendue, point with a split base) for a spear or dart, in the classic Aurignacian shape.
(centre left) Retouchoir, easily identified by the damage caused to its surface by striking the edge of a stone tool in order to remove flakes from the flint to shape and sharpen the edge (or to dull it, with steep retouch, for use as the back of a small unhafted hand held knife for example. )
(centre right) Awl, used for punching holes in leather or skins.
(right) Retouchoir, but with a point, as though it had another use.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This is a drawing of the classic Aurignacian bone point, as in the photograph above.
Photo: Public Domain
Source: Wikipedia
The elements of jewellery, abundant from this age on, are often produced in series, as at l'abri Castanet. Suspended objects are the most numerous, supplemented by headbands and bracelets.
The material mainly used is ivory whose preparation is fully controlled from the beginning. Coming next are animal teeth such as fox canines and deer teeth, and finally shells, reindeer antler, with more rarely bone and various minerals such as steatite and fossils.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Fish engraving on bone, from Castel-Merle.
Circa 16 000 BP.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Neues Museum, Germany
Text: © Card at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Decorated bone points, from Castel-Merle.
Circa 40 000 BP - 14 000 BP
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Neues Museum, Germany
Text: © Card at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Map of the industries of l'abri Castanet.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Display, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Legend for the map above.
A. Hearth areas.
B. Basket beads, made of mammoth ivory.
C. Large fragments of mammoth ivory, and areas where ivory beads were made.
D. Scattered areas of lithic and bone industries.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Display, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Horse, apparently pregnant, labelled as being from l'Abri Castanet.
Delluc (1978) identifies this painting as being from l'Abri Blanchard.
It has certainly been known for a long time, it is not recently dug up at Castanet II.
This sort of mislabelling by news outlets often happens when a new discovery is made, but in this case, as also often happens, the new photo is much better than the one I had, though I wish the extra piece (see below) had been included in the better photo.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Source for the photo: http://www.livescience.com/20278-gallery-europe-oldest-rock-art.html
The display at l'Abri Labattut from this photo taken in 2008 implies that this rock painting comes from that shelter.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at l'Abri Labattut.
This very useful summary of the main art discoveries in the Castel-Merle complex lists the horse as coming from l'Abri Blanchard.
The sizes of the two rocks shown are given as 128 x 70 cm and 38 x 28 cm.
The authority given is B and G. Delluc.
Delluc (1978) identifies this painting as being from l'Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
This is the cross section of Abri Castanet I of Aurignacian I and II age, according to Peyrony (1935)
It would seem from the diagram that the overhanging roof which provided protection for the inhabitants during the Aurignacian I and II has collapsed on the sediments below.
While this could have been a natural occurrence due to normal processes of weathering and erosion, the possibility exists that it could have been because of an ash fall from a volcano settling on top of the rock overhang, which subsequently provided the impetus for the collapse when the ash became wet (and thus heavy) from following rain. (M. René Castanet, Pers. Comm.)
There are several candidates for the source of the volcanic ash, in particular the chain of Puys in the Puy de Dôme area, which is only about 150 km away from Les Eyzies. Tephra columns and plumes reached 20 km into the atmosphere and spread over wide areas aided by wind. (Puy is a geological term used locally in the Auvergne, France for a volcanic hill.)
See the quote below from Vernet et al. (1998)
Late-Glacial and Holocene Tephra
For the period between 15 and 7 ka (Older Dryas to Atlantic), numerous volcanoes were active in the Chaîne des Puys and neighbouring areas. Strombolian phases built numerous cones and poured out long lava flows which disorganized the drainage pattern.
Trachytic and trachyandesitic maar eruptions occured (Kilian, Nugère, Pariou, Pavin). Plinian eruptions were followed by trachytic plugs and dome erection (Puy-de-Dôme, Sarcouy, Chopine...). Tephra columns and plumes reached 20 km into the atmosphere and spread over wide areas aided by wind (GOER DE HERVE et al, 1991). Some volcanoes have been directly TL dated :
- Puy de Côme, 15900 ± 1500 and11600 ± 830 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de Lassolas, 15700 ± 1700 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de Tartaret, 13700 ± 1600 (PILLEYRE et al., 1992).
- Puy de Gorce, 13200 ± 1300 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de Barme, 11900 ± 1200 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de la Nugère lava flow, 10900 ± 1200 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de Dôme, 10800 ± 1100, 9300 ± 1100 (FAIN et al. , 1986, 1991).
- Puy de Pariou lava flow, 8180 ± 810 (GUERIN, 1983).
- Puy de la Vache, 8100 ± 800 (HUXTABLE et al., 1978), 9150 ± 550 et 8820 ± 870 (GUERIN, 1983), 9130 ± 720 (MONTRET et al., 1992).
- Puy de Montchal,7560 ± 770 BP (GUERIN, 1983).
Peyrony described 2 Aurignacian levels. The first one stands on the bed-rock and shows split based points and has been attributed to the aurignacian I (Peyrony 1935).
On top, was an Aurignacian II level that contained a lithic industry with blades, notches, scrapers, and burins, a poor bone industry with flattened lozenge-shaped points and awls, and engraved limestone blocks. Faunal remains were rare. Reindeer dominated, followed by horse, bovids, wolf, fox, and brown bear.
Below this, resting on bedrock, an Aurignacian I level yielded a blade industry very rich in scrapers and poor in burins, with a number of other tool types. At this level, the fauna was dominated by reindeer and included roe deer, horse, bovids, deer, wild boar, ibex, lion, hyena, wolf, fox, wild cat, lynx, brown bear, and seal. Harlé made the identification of brown bear on the basis of a canine
Text above from: Peyrony (1935), quoted in Armand (2006).
(Left) Peyrony’s stratigraphic section, drawn in 1913 and published in 1935. A and C are the archaeological levels recognised by Peyrony.
(Right) Our stratigraphic analysis in the same sector showing existence of only one level on bedrock. Arrow indicates engraved and red-stained block K.
Photo and text: White et al. (2012)
Vulva from Abri Castanet, shown above as part of block K.
This engraving of a vulva comes from Abri Castanet. It has been dated to 37 000 BP, a similar age to the magnificent paintings of the Grotte Chauvet.
A 1.5 tonne, 0.650 m3 piece of limestone was first discovered by Dr Randall White in 2007, where it was found face down on the floor of the abri. The block of limestone was broken up into smaller chunks to be lifted off, when the engraving was discovered.
'Unlike the Chauvet paintings and engravings, which are deep underground and away from living areas, the engravings and paintings at Castanet are directly associated with everyday life, given their proximity to tools, fireplaces, bone and antler tool production, and ornament workshops,' Dr White said.
The works in Chauvet and Castanet are both products of the Aurignacian culture, the first modern humans in Europe that replaced the Neaderthals and lived 40 000 to 28 000 years ago. The inhabitants of Abri Castanet hunted reindeer, horse and bison.
'They had relatively complex social identities, communicated through personal ornamentation, and they practiced sculpture and graphic arts,' White said.
Photo: © Raphaëlle Bourrillon
Text: an amalgam from a large number of newspaper sources, all drawing on the same NYU press release, from http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2012/05/14/anthropologists-discover-earliest-form-of-wall-art.html
Source for the photo: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/340938/20120514/female-genitalia-rock-carvings-europe.htm
The 'vulva' above is not the usual type of engraving of a vulva. There appears to be a cord leading out from the centre of it, something which does not appear on any vulva engravings I have seen.
What it looks like is a placenta, as shown here.
My thanks to Ralph Frenken for pointing this out.
Photo: http://img.fotocommunity.com/Schwangerschaft/und-die-Zeit-danach/baby-mit-Plazenta-a18228790.jpg
Block K, now high on the wall of the museum at Les Eyzies.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Close up of the vulva of Block K.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Block K.
The principal engraved figure (A) with macro views of engraving (B) and surface preparation (C).
(note that the 'cord' from the vulva is well defined in this photograph, and is about 15 mm wide and 10 mm high - Don )
Photo and text: White et al. (2012)
Abri Castanet I dig, excavated by M. Marcel Castanet during 1908/1909 and 1911/1912/1913.
In the excavation, red ochre was abundant, there were many cupules dug into stones, there were many ringed stones (see comment below), engravings of phallic and vulval designs. There were remains of paintings on stones fallen from the roof, and there was a major industry in flint, bone, and reindeer antler, as well as workshops for the preparation of the equivalents of the basket beads so evident at Abri Blanchard.
Photo, and text translated from: Castanet (2006)
Pierres à Anneaux
Dans toute l'etendue de la couche, il a été rencontré des pierres, parfois très volumineuses, présentant généralement, dans un angle, ou sur un bord, un anneau creusé profondément, avec un trou parfois assez grand. Deux des plus gros ont un aspect bizarre: l'un d'eux, trop pesant, a été laissé sur place, l'autre a été déposé au Musée des Eyzies.
Ce dernier a été l'objet d'un travail de raclage dans toute sa partie supérieure, comme pour lui donner une forme plus régulière. L'anneau a été fait latéralement, mais de telle façon que l'aspect général de cette pièce est celui d'un animal à corps massif retournant la tête, les deux trous de l'anneau formant les yeux. Il est possible que le hasard seul ait guidé l'ouvrier: cependant les raclages remarqués dans le haut, sur le champ et sur les deux faces, sont de nature à faire prendre en considération l'hypothèse d'une grossière oeuvre d'art.
Sur quelques pierres à anneaux, on remarque des cupules peu profondes identiques à celles trouvées par L. Didon à l'abri Blanchard et par moi-même à La Ferrassie. Quelle était leur valeur magique ou leur destination? problème difficile à résoudre pour le moment.
Photo and text: Peyrony (1935)
Pierres à Anneaux
Through the whole layer, one found stones, sometimes very large, which generally presented on a corner or an edge, a deep hollow ring, sometimes with quite a large hole through the stone. Two of the largest have a strange aspect: one of them, which was too heavy to move, was left in place, the other was deposited at Les Eyzies Museum. This was made so that it looked like an animal with its head turned, the two holes of the ring forming the eyes. It is possible that this appearance is by chance, but the occurrence of reworking of both sides of the stone leads to the hypothesis that it was a large work of art.
On some pierres à anneaux, there were cupules identical to those found by L. Didon at l'Abri Blanchard, and by myself at La Ferrassie. What was their magical value or purpose? This is a difficult question, which cannot be solved as yet.
Text above translated from Peyrony (1935)
Delage (1936) found similar pierres à anneaux, at L'Abri Reverdit:
Des pierres à anneaux gisaient parmi les blocs amoncelés à l'extrémité Sud de l'Abri; enfin quinze blocs calcaires portant des cupules ont été recuellis et leur abondance est un des traits les plus remarquables de ce gisement.
Pierres à anneaux lay piled among the blocks at the southern end of the shelter and finally fifteen limestone blocks bearing cupules were recovered. Their abundance is one of the most remarkable characteristics of this site.
They were originally in the low roof of the abri, and were probably created in order to hold up the hides used to keep out the weather from the abri, and keep some of the warmth in the abri from the fires, while keeping out a lot of the wind. Those which fell from the roof could have been then used to tether the bottom of the hides as necessary.
Pierres à anneaux
The large stone in the right hand photo has two holes bored in it.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Pierres à anneaux - I believe these individual stones were used to hold up the hide tents or curtains of the original inhabitants. The only photographs I have so far are of fallen blocks. I would be grateful for any information or photographs, especially of Pierres à anneaux in position in the roof of an abri.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
This Pierre à Anneau from l'abri Fongal appears to have been pierced after falling from the roof, and to have been decorated at that time.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, display at Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies
I was amused to see the same solution to the same problem on a trip to the Barrier Reef in Australia. This is a caravan annexe at Hervey Bay on the Queensland south coast. To stop the canvas curtains flapping, the owners have filled plastic bags with sand, and placed them on the ends of the curtains, modern Pierres à Anneaux!
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2012
Ursus arctos: cut marks on the first phalanx
During recent work for the new museum project at
the Musée National de Préhistoire in les Eyzies, Stéphane
Madeleine discovered a bear phalanx with cut marks in
the Castanet Aurignacian I collection.
Butchery marks linked to the skinning process are
rather frequent on the first phalanges. These are found
at Castanet, as well as other sites.
(Although most of the skin can be removed without using a knife at all, the hide can in fact be "fisted" from the rest of the body, thus avoiding the possibility of cuts or nicks in the hide, the skin on the lower legs and phalanges of most animals needs a knife to take it off the bone in my experience - Don)
Photo: P. Jugie, MNP, les Eyzies, France.
Source: Armand (2006)
Perforated bear molar from Abri Castanet.
The perforation indicates that it was used as jewellery.
Photo: http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/anthro/programs/csho/whiteimages.html
Faunal data from the Aurignacian I, Abri Castanet I
|
| |
| Bovinae (Aurochs, Bison) | 16 |
| Canis lupus (wolf) | 52 |
| Capra ibex (Ibex) | 1 |
| Cervus elaphus (Red Deer) | 7 |
| Crocuta spelaea (Cave Hyena) | 1 |
| Equus sp. (Horse) | 32 |
| Rangifer tarandus (Reindeer, Caribou) | 336 |
| Rupicapra rupicapra (Chamois) | 2 |
| Ursus sp (bear) | 4 |
| Vulpes/Alopex (arctic fox) | 15 |
Source for the information in the table above: Armand (2006).
Study of the Rodents and Birds of the Abri Castanet
This is a systematic study, published in 1952, by J. Bouchud, of the small animals found by Peyrony in 1935 at Abri Castanet.
|
| ||
| 1 | Lepus timidus | Mountain Hare |
| 1 | Eliomys quercinus | Garden Dormouse |
| 1 | Lemmus lemmus | Norway Lemming |
| 1 | Evotomys glareolus | Bank Vole |
| 6 | Arvicola amphibius | European Water Vole |
| 2 | Apodemus sylvaticus | Wood Mouse |
| 1 | Erinaceus europeus | Hedgehog |
| 1 | Pica pica | European Magpie |
| 2 | Garrulus glandarius | Eurasian Jay |
| 3 | Pyrrhocorax alpinus | Rock Chough |
| 1 | Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax | Red-billed Chough |
| 1 | Anthus spinoletta | Water Pipit |
| 1 | Turdus merula | White-collared Blackbird |
| 1 | Falco naumanni | Lesser Kestrel |
| 1 | Anas platyrhynchus | Mallard Duck |
| 1 | Limosa aegocephala | Black-tailed Godwit |
| 2 | Squatarola squatarola | Black-Bellied Plover |
| 1 | Charadrius morinellus | Eurasian Dotterel |
| 5 | Perdix perdix | Grey Partridge |
Source for the information in the table above: Bouchud (1952)
1, 2, 7 - blades with the edges retouched and notched.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 various types of grattoirs (scrapers with retouched ends) made on blades.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
No. 1, grattoir caréné (keeled scraper). No. 2, grattoir à museau (muzzle shaped scraper). No. 3 pic (pick).
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
Various types of burins.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
1, 2 - Lames a troncature oblique.
3, 4 - Lames tronquées obliquement et à base abattue.
1, 2 - Blades with oblique truncation.
3, 4 - Obliquely truncated blades with blunted bases.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
Pointes à base fendue et poinçons.
Points with a split base, and awls.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
Nos 1 and 3, objects made of reindeer antler, double bevelled, very long.
No. 2, pointed polisher/smoother.
No. 4, chisel. (this looks as though it might have been used to split apart previously grooved bone or antler by hitting the thick end, which seems obviously in poor condition, as is the tip - Don)
No. 5 fragment of a double bevelled reindeer antler.
Photo: Peyrony (1935)
The Abri Reverdit/Abri Castanet area is serviced by a paved road, and this hut has been erected near the turning circle in order to provide weather protection for those engaged in the French-American excavation of Abri Castanet II, so that sorting and extraction of artefacts can continue without interruption because of inclement weather.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
During the digging season, the hut is a very useful area, set up with tables and equipment for examining finds and sieving the earth removed from the digs, as well as providing an area for rest and meals for the students and supervisors.
Photo: http://beauvert.over-blog.com/article-21688485.html
At the time I was there, within the turning circle, there was a mini-excavation being undertaken, with a surprising amount of interesting material, mostly debitage.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
There is an ongoing programme of trenches and full scale excavations going
on in the area, this trench is beside the road, in the area of Abri Blanchard I.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Photos 1 and 2
These six photographs of the cliff line are presented here, and below, in order from Abri Castanet I (left hand photo here) to the end of the Vallon des Roches (last photo below of the six)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Photos 3 and 4
Abri Castanet I and Abri Blanchard I have been thoroughly investigated, but it looked as though someone had been through recently, and cleared away the vegetation just at the base of the cliff, but not between that point and the road.
By 2011 - 12 the whole area had been cleaned up.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Photos 5 and 6
This was as far as the preliminary clean up had got to when I was there. The last photo of the sign was in front of dense vegetation, at the end of Vallon des Roches, at the point where the road takes a sharp right hand bend, and the two sites of the variously named Sous le Roc/Sous Castel-Merle/Abri Blanchard II and the more important Abri des Merveilles angle away from the river on the other side of the promontory.
Blackbird Castle, or Castel-Merle
This crag dominates the entry to the Vallon des Roches, and has given its name to the whole area. On the broad ridge behind this cliff lies the Auberge de Castel-Merle, a well-regarded hotel with a restaurant and bar.
The top of this Blackbird Castle, or Castel-Merle, would have formed an ideal lookout post when watching for approaching game.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
This is the view from the top of the Castel-Merle.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
So far as I could tell, and as can be seen here, taken just around the corner of the ridge, the other sites of Abri des Merveilles and Abri Blanchard II on the other side of the ridge, facing the Vézère, were not accessible in 2008 because of the growth of vegetation since they were last excavated. However, in 2014 I was able to investigate the cliff line and find l'abri des Merveilles.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri Blanchard
L'abri Blanchard des Roches
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Photograph of the far end of Vallon des Roches, showing Abri Blanchard on the left, and Abri Castanet I on the right.
The raw earth and black plastic in this photo and the ones below show that a dig has been re-started at Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Père Igor
Permission: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Date: 12th September 2011
The new dig at Abri Blanchard.
The photo on the right is a zoomed in version of the one on the left.
Photo: Père Igor
Permission: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Date: 12th September 2011
Close up of the new dig at Abri Blanchard.
The photo on the right is a zoomed in version of the one on the left.
Photo: Père Igor
Permission: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Date: 12th September 2011
Excavations at Abri Blanchard 2011 - 2012.
Photo and text: Tartar et al. (2014)
Engraving of a bear on a rockface from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Engraving of a bovid from Abri Blanchard, discovered in 2012 by Randall White and his team, estimated to be 38 000 years old.
The outline of the bovid includes many small cupules.
Photo: © Musée national de Préhistoire collections, Bourrillon, White et al. (2017)
Abri Blanchard, examples of engraved and painted blocks. A. Bloc no. 5, imaginary animal and lower legs of horse oriented in opposite directions; B. Bloc no. 10, female vulvae
(cliche B&G Delluc; C. Bloc no. 11 &12 lower part of a horse Musee d'Art et d'Archeologie du Perigord; D. Unpublished block, anneau Museum of Natural History of New York; E. Unpublished block, lower extremities of horse Field Museum of Chicago).
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Stratigraphy of Abri Blanchard, 1911.
Source: Didon (1911)
Proximal source: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
2012 excavation plan of Abri Blanchard showing location of new block and the spatial relationship between Didon's excavations and those of Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016).
Source: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
This photo documents the excavation of 2012 in Abri Blanchard by Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
A. Marcel Castanet's backdirt, B. Intact humic layer, C. Intact archaeological layer in place.
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Abri Blanchard sector 4/5 pieces with strong polish.
a: BL12-J11A-341, pic;
b: BL12-J11B-102, retouched blade;
c: BL12-H11D-1, end-scraper/point on retouched blade,
From the 2012 excavations.
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Osseous industry, Blanchard 2012.
1. Awl
2. Distal fragment of awl
3. Rod
4. Awl or awl blank
5. Intermediate tool on a split rib
6. Retoucher
7. Reindeer antler 'baguette'.
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Data: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
NID = Number of Identified Specimens
| Common Name | NID |
|---|---|
| Bison or Horse size | 18 |
| Bison | 3 |
| Horse | 2 |
| Reindeer or Horse size | 43 |
| Reindeer size ungulates (medium) | 417 |
| Red deer or Reindeer | 1 |
| Reindeer | 151 |
| Medium or small ungulates | 27 |
| Small mammal (wolf or chamois size) | 1 |
| Wolf | 1 |
| Fox | 1 |
| Foetus of mammal | 3 |
| Total | 831 |
Blanchard 2012.
A. Limestone block engraved with an aurochs and with a gouged depression.
B. Details of the engraving of the rear legs and the horn (Photos P. Jugie, MNP and R. Bourrillon).
A distinction is recognised between 'punctuations' whose diameter does not exceed 15 mm and 'cup-marks', which are larger and shallower.
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Blanchard 2012.
Rendering of the engraved block.
A. with all details
B. selective rendering separating the animal figure and the punctuations
( as above, 'punctuations' are defined as deep cupules whose diameter does not exceed 15 mm - Don )
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Blanchard 2012.
Examples of aligned punctuations on Aurignacian portable objects and ornaments.
1. Tuto-de-Camalhot (Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Toulouse)
3 & 5. La Souquette
2,4, 7, 10 & 13. Abri Blanchard
6.Abri Castanet
8 & 11. Vogelherd (photos J. Liptak, H. Floss)
9. Abri Lartet (Musée d'Archéologie National, Paris)
12. Geissenklosterle (Württembergisches Landesmuseum Stuttgart, Universität Tübingen)
Photo and text: Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Another view of the fish #8 in the image above from Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016) above, circa 35 000 years old.
Note also the distinctive decoration of small cupules, something which is very often used in the Vogelherd figurines.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Museum der Universität Tübingen, Hohentübingen Castle
Aurignacian of l'abri Lartet aux Eyzies-de-Tayac, Dordogne
Os gravé et encoché (moulage), engraved and notched bone, #9 in the image above from Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
This was discovered in 1865.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Facsimile, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Aurignacian of l'abri Blanchard des Roches à Sergeac, Dordogne
Engraved and notched bone, #10 in the image above from Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
This is the famous 'calendar bone'.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Facsimile, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Vogelherd anthropomorphic statuette, #11 in the image above from Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Museum der Universität Tübingen, Hohentübingen Castle
The figure #12 in the image above from Bourrillon, R. et al. (2016), known as the 'Adorant' stands erect with legs apart and a tail-like extension down between its legs. It may depict a hybrid creature similar to the Lion-Man from the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave. We know of more such dual characters from theFrench cave paintings.
Rows of dots were cut on the back of this flat piece, possibly referring to simple astronomical observations. In addition, traces of manganese and red ochre (ferric oxide) were found on the back. Lines were cut into the sides as well as on one of the arms.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Württemberg Landesmuseum, Stuttgart
Bâtons percés, Abri Blanchard.
1 and 2 are held at Musée de Saint-Germain, 3,4,5,6 are at the Musée de l'Homme.
Photo: Leroy-Prost (1975)
Pierced baton from Abri Blanchard.
This is number 2 in the image above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Text: Don Hitchcock
(left): Pendant from Abri Blanchard, notched, with a groove for a cord.
(centre): Pendant from Abri Blanchard, of a tooth which has had a groove put in the root of the tooth to take a cord. The pendant has been worn continuously for a very long time, as the back, shown here, has been worn smooth by rubbing against the tunic of the wearer.
(right): Carved bone possibly intended as a pendant. The artist has carved semi-spirals in the rod, but there is no sign of wear on the piece, which indicates that it was never actually worn.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Text: Don Hitchcock
Necklace from Abri Blanchard, consisting of beads and teeth.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Text: Don Hitchcock
Poinçons, or bone awls, from Abri Blanchard, for making holes in leather preparatory to sewing.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015, 2018
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Additional text: Don Hitchcock
(left): Engraved reindeer antler from Abri Blanchard.
(right): Engraved ciseau or wedge, used to split bone and antler, from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014, 2015
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Additional text: Don Hitchcock
(left): Retouched flint blade from Abri Blanchard.
(right): Dihedral burin from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014, 2015
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Additional text: Don Hitchcock
Split base spear points from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015, 2015, 2018
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Rhombus shaped spear points from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Grattoir caréné, keeled scraper, from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Grattoir caréné, very steeply keeled scraper, from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
(left): Grattoir, scraper, from Abri Blanchard.
(right): Double ended grattoir, scraper, from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018, 2015
Source and text: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Burin from Abri Blanchard.
( The sides appear to have been retouched to make them dull and the burin easier to hold in the hand - Don )
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Perçoir, drill, from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Tools, Abri Blanchard.
1-2: Split-based points (N° 19 et 18) ; 3-4: Tongued pieces (N° 118 et 122) ; 5: Split-based point rough-out (N° 100) ; 6-8: Massive-based points (N° 25, 39 et 24). Coll. AMNH (5, 8) ; coll. WM (4, 6, 7) ; coll. LM (1) ; coll. FM (2-3)
Photo and text: Tartar et al. (2014)
Stages in the making of 'basket-shaped' or 'stomach' beads, probably from Abri Blanchard and Abri Castanet, and discovered by M. Marcel Castanet.
So-called basket-shaped beads were first recognized by Marcel Castanet (see photograph below) at Abri Blanchard in 1909 (Didon 1911; 1912; Delluc & Delluc 1981) This discovery prompted Castanet, a farmer at Sergeac in the Dordogne, to wet-sieve all of the sediments from Blanchard (more than 200 such beads), as well as the proximate sites of Castanet (Peyrony 1935) and La Souquette (White 1989). Also recovered from the sieves were hundreds of unfinished beads and production debris, allowing the reconstruction of a complex and ingenious chaîne opératoire for bead production. Experiments suggest that from one to three hours of labor per bead are required using this process.
Text: White (2007)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Techniques for producing Aurignacian ivory and stone beads vary from one European region to the next. In France, the most common form, represented by more than 1000 specimens and dated to between 33 000 and 32 000 years ago, is 'basket-shaped.' They were created from pencil-like rods of ivory or soapstone that were then circuminscribed and snapped into cylindrical blanks from one to two centimetres in length. These were then bilaterally thinned at one end to form a sort of stem. A perforation was then created at the junction of the stem and the unaltered end. This was done by gouging from each side, rather than by rotational drilling.Text above: http://www.insticeagestudies.com/library/representation-technology-and-society-before-lascaux.shtml
These rough-outs were then ground and polished into their final basket-shaped form using hematite as an abrasive.
'basket-shaped' or 'stomach' beads from Abri Castanet.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Basket beads from l'abri Castanet I.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The five main production stages for the manufacture of Aurignacian basket-shaped beads. Those pictured are from Abri Blanchard, the type-site for such objects.
Stage 1: creation of cylindrical, pencil-like rods of talc/chlorite or of ivory.
Stage 2: circumincision of these rods into segments of 1 to 2 cm long, which are then snapped off the longer rod.
Stage 3: bifacial thinning of one end of the detached cylinders to create a kind of stem at one end and a bulb at the other.
Stage 4: perforation by bifacial gouging or rotational drilling at the junction of the stem and the bulb.
Stage 5: reduction of the stage 4 roughout by coarse abrasion and eventually by fine polishing in order to obtain the characteristic basket shape.
Photo and text: White (2007)
(Note that the beads from Roc-aux-Sorciers have been made with the hole further away from the near end than those from Abri Castanet and Abri Blanchard, and have then been further shaped to create either a teardrop shaped bead, or one which closely resembles a red deer tooth - Don )
Fragments of Tritia reticulata (syn.Hinia reticulata) shells found at Abri Castanet.
( These marine shells must have been brought to l'Abri Castanet after being gathered on a sea shore, either on the Atlantic coast or the coast of the Mediterranean. They have a reddish colour, so they are not fossil shells, which are almost invariably white - Don )
Tritia reticulata, common name the 'netted dog whelk', is a species of small European sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Nassariidae, the dog whelks or nassa mud snails. It is found today in the Northeast Atlantic, in European waters, and in the Mediterranean Sea.
The length of the shell varies between 20 mm and 35 mm.
The egg-shaped shell is elongated, rounded, obtuse at its lower extremity, and pointed at the upper extremity. It is moderately thick. The conical spire is composed of eight or nine whorls, almost flat, or slightly swollen, but distant from each other. Their surface is deeply chequered by longitudinal folds, crossed by numerous striae. The aperture is moderate, white and ovate. The outer lip is thick, ornamented within with seven or eight striae, of which those of the middle are generally the largest. The columella is slightly arcuated, covered with a thin, brilliant plate. The colour of this shell is of a yellowish white, reddish or chestnut colour, with a blackish blue band, passing beneath the suture.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Text: Wikipedia
Fragments of Turritella sp. shells found at Abri Castanet.
( These marine shells must have been brought to l'Abri Castanet after being gathered on a sea shore, either on the Atlantic coast or the coast of the Mediterranean. They have a reddish colour, so they are not fossil shells, which are almost invariably white - Don )
Turritella is a genus of medium-sized sea snails with an operculum, and are marine gastropod mollusks in the family Turritellidae.
They have tightly coiled shells, whose overall shape is basically that of an elongated cone.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Text: Wikipedia
Fragments of Nucella lapillus shells found at Abri Castanet.
( These marine shells must have been brought to l'Abri Castanet after being gathered on a sea shore, either on the Atlantic coast or the coast of the Mediterranean. They have colour, so they are not fossil shells, which are almost invariably white - Don )
The dog whelk, or Atlantic dogwinkle is a species of predatory sea snail, a carnivorous marine gastropod in the family Muricidae, the rock snails.
This species is found around the coasts of Europe and in the northern west Atlantic coast of North America. It also can be found in estuarine waters along the Atlantic coasts. This species prefers rocky shores, where it eats mussels and acorn barnacles.
The dog whelk shell is small and rounded with a pointed spire and a short, straight siphonal canal (a groove on the underside of the shell) and a deep anal canal. The overall shell shape varies quite widely according to the degree of exposure to wave action of the shore on which a particular population lives but the body whorl (the largest section of the shell where the majority of the visceral mass is located) is usually around 3/4 of the total length of the shell. The aperture is usually crenulated in mature dog whelks, less often in juveniles.
The shell surface can be fairly smooth interrupted only with growth lines, or when the snail is living in more sheltered areas the shell surface can be somewhat rough and lamellose. The surface is spirally corded. The outer lip is dentate and ridged within. The columella is smooth.
The external shell colour is usually a whitish grey, but can be a wide variety of orange, yellow, brown, black, or banded with any combination of these colours. They can even, occasionally, be green, blue, or pink. The dog whelk lives in rocky shores, and estuarine conditions. Climatically it lives between the 0 °C and 20 °C isotherms.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Text: Wikipedia
Fragments of Dentalium shells found at Abri Castanet. They are tubular, and are open at each end, making them ideal for stringing on a cord. Although they are available in France from Miocene limestones (they occur not far from Bordeaux, for example), these have probably been collected from specimens washed up on the beach, for practical reasons.
For example, the Dentalium shells from the La Madeleine child burial were identified (and dated) as having been collected from beaches, and it was surmised that the available Miocene fossil specimens were too narrow to be easily used with bone needles, see Vanhaeren et al. (2004).
Dentalium is a large genus of tooth shells or tusk shells, marine scaphopod molluscs in the family Dentaliidae. The genus contains 50 described species and about 50 extinct species.
The scientific name of this genus comes from the Latin word dentis, meaning tooth, based on the tooth or tusk-shaped form of these molluscs.
The mantle of Dentalium species is entirely within the shell. The foot extends from the larger end of the shell, and is used to burrow through the substrate. They position their head down in the substrate, with the apical end of the shell (at the rear of the animal's body) projecting up into the water. These molluscs live on seafloor sediment, feeding on microscopic organisms, detritus and foraminiferans.
The shells are conical and curved in a planispiral way, and they are usually whitish in color. Because of these characteristics, the shell somewhat resembles a miniature elephant's tusk. They are hollow and open at both ends; the opening at the larger end is the main or anterior aperture of the shell. The smaller opening is known as the apical aperture.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Text: Vanhaeren et al. (2004), Wikipedia
Abri Blanchard
Necklace
Late Mousterian, ca. 35 000 BP
137 stone, bone and ivory beads and pendants
Largest pendant 4.8 cm
Abri Blanchard, Sergeac (Dordogne), France
Logan Museum of Anthropology Purchase
LMA 4.7.253
This piece was assembled from the many beads recovered from the site and purchased from Louis Didon in 1924. There is no specific evidence that these artifacts were assembled as a necklace, but as they are all pierced it is clear they were intended for some similar purpose. Once dated much later, recent excavations in an adjacent abri have revealed a bead workshop dating to the Late Mousterian.
(right) A detail of several of the pendant pieces in the 'necklace' reveals the variety of color and materials employed. The largest piece, of ivory, is decorated with a highly organised series of tiny punctuations.
Photo and text: http://www.beloit.edu/logan/exhibitions/virtual_exhibitions/before_history/europe/abri_blanchard.php
Abri Blanchard
Engraved Bones, Late Mousterian, ca. 35 000 BP, Logan Museum of Anthropology Purchase
(left) Bone, 6.0 cm LMA 4.5.373
(centre) Bone, 4.0 cm LMA 4.5.374
(right) Bone, 4.1 cm LMA 4.5.372
Photo and text: http://www.beloit.edu/logan/exhibitions/virtual_exhibitions/before_history/europe/abri_blanchard.php
Engravings from Abri Blanchard dating to the old Aurignacian, 34 000 BP.
Displayed here at Abri Reverdit.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Engravings from Abri Blanchard dating to the old Aurignacian, 34 000 BP.
Displayed here at Abri Reverdit.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Limestone block carrying two images of vulvas engraved on the stone, from l'abri Blanchard.
© Musée d'archéologie nationale.
Photo: http://www.creap.fr/imgsExpo/expo-module2.htm
Aurignacian of l'abri Blanchard des Roches à Sergeac, Dordogne
Gravure figurant une vulve, calcaire. Engraving of a vulva, in limestone.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Engraving of a vulva from abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Engraving of a vulva from abri Blanchard, as well as a poster highlighting the engraving, on display at the Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
This handle allows the use of a blade with a retouched edge, examples of which occurred at Blanchard, as an adze, a big improvement on a hand held blade. The handle allows the flint to be resharpened while still on the fitting, and complete replacement of the flint blade is simple.
No similar tool handle was found at abri Blanchard, but similar fittings were used in other stone age cultures.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Facsimile and experimentation: Jacques Pelegrin, Guy Marchesseau
Source: Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Various scrapers found at abri Blanchard, as well as what looks like a hammer stone at the top right of the image.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Pierre à Anneau from l'abri Blanchard. These were originally part of the roof of the abri, and were used to suspend objects from the roof of the shelter, but most notably animal skin curtains at the front of the overhanging roof, which gave protection from wind, rain and snow. They fell when the overhanging shelf of stone collapsed.
No doubt the fallen blocks with holes were used to secure the bottom of the curtains from flapping in the wind, and to help define the living area.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Another pierre à Anneau from l'abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
The distinctive artefacts here are split-based points, made of antler and split at the base by removal of a wedge-shaped fragment. The thinned end of a wooden spear shaft could then be pushed into the slot and the join fixed with string made from animal hair, gut or muscle fibres. Although they vary in size, split-based points generally widen above the base then narrow to the tip, forming a lozenge shape with a rather flat cross-section. The ones shown here are typical examples.
Split-based points are characteristic of the earliest phase of the late Old Stone Age or Upper Palaeolithic known as the Aurignacian. Appearing about 40 000 years ago, they are the first distinctive spear tips to be made from bone antler and ivory and show the use of composite weapons made of more than one piece. In use for about ten thousand years, they were replaced later in the Aurignacian by rod-like spear tips with round and oval cross-sections, thinned or bevelled to fit the shaft.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Text: adapted from http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_prb/s/split-based_spear_points.aspx
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Bone awls, often used for making holes in skins.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
L'abri Blanchard is famous for its basket shaped beads, shown here in various stages of manufacture.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Bead production during the Aurignacian period in southwestern France has been reconstructed by Dr Randall White.
The starting point was a rod of mammoth ivory (1) that was incised around its circumference to form points for breaking. When broken, each rod yielded a series of bead 'blanks' (2). The blanks were shaped to yield a thick 'bulb' at one end and a thin 'stem' at the other (3, 4). The blank was pierced (5), then heavily ground and polished, leaving a finely polished bead (6).
Photo: Randall White
Source and text: White (1989b)
Scrapers and burins from l'abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Abri Blanchard II
I scoured the entire overgrown area above the road from the sharp corner to l'abri des Merveilles, and this cliff face was the only candidate that looked like it could be l'abri Blanchard II. It was in the right place, and was flanked by gradual slopes on either side, the 'blank areas' noted by Peyrony.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Abri des Merveilles
l'Abri des Merveilles as it is today.
It was originally inhabited by Neandertals, with cordiform (heart shaped) mousterian axes found there. (Mellars, 1996)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
l'Abri des Merveilles
Photo: Castanet (2006)
The approach to l'Abri des Merveilles. It seems to function these days more as a place for summer barbecues in the countryside, with occasional campouts by the locals, than anything else.
The makeshift trellis is probably there to hold a plastic tarpaulin or similar, to keep out the wind, much as the original inhabitants would have done, but using more substantial poles and animal hides.
This photo is taken from an overgrown 'road' which leads up from the main road below, not far away either in distance or altitude.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Location of l'abri des Merveilles:
Latitude 45.000505° N
Longitude 1.101917° E
Photo: Google Earth
Cross Section of the deposits at l'abri des Merveilles:
Photo: MacCurdy (1930)
The 1925 trench into the talus at l'Abri des Merveilles. George Grant MacCurdy is visible in the distance as is the wall of the abri.
Photo and text: Straus (2001)
Abri des Merveilles - Excavations by G.G. MacCurdy 1927
This photograph is particularly notable for the child taking part in the excavations - M. René Castanet (R. Castanet pers. comm. 2008) was about five years old at the time of this photograph - truly he has had a lifetime of experience in the study of the Palaeolithic, and is a national treasure.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Tools of rock crystal and Spanish topaz dug from the rock shelter of
Les Merveilles (Dordogne) by students of the American School of Prehistoric
Research, Mousterian Epoch.
Photo and text: McCurdy (1931)
Complete tools of rock crystal dating back to the Mousterian epoch are exceedingly rare. We appreciate all the more the good fortune which has come to our American School of Prehistoric Research in the finding of seven perfect rock crystal tools not only in a single rock shelter but also at one level in that rock shelter (the lower of two Mousterian levels). This shelter is known as Les Merveilles and is at Castel-Merle near Sergeac (Dordogne).Text above adapted from: MacCurdy (1931)
Of the seven tools of rock crystal from Les Merveilles No. 1, found in 1924, is transparent and tinged with just enough yellow to give it the appearance of a topaz. It is a combination scraper and point. The ventral face is marked by a bulb of percussion and an uneven resin-like surface of fracture. The outer or dorsal face is everywhere reduced by means of chipping except for a small area at the level of the greatest diameter. Half of a scraper of the same quality of rock crystal was found in 1924 in the cultivated field just below and adjoining our leased site.
During the season of 1926 there was found a scraper of purest rock crystal without a tinge of color (No. 2). The portion opposite the edge is perfectly adapted to fit the curve of the forefinger and the dorsal face along the edge has been retouched more than once. The present edge shows the effect of wear; a short bit of it was carried away by a chip accidentally removed in Mousterian times.
Number 3, found in 1928, is amethystine in color. Two of the adjacent hexagonal faces of the original crystal are retained on the part opposite the edge and form a fitting handhold. The edge is retouched along the dorsal face only. During the same season Number 4 was found. It had been struck from an exquisite crystal yellowish in tone, but somewhat paler than the parent core of No. 1. The specimen is completely bounded by a series of delicate retouches confined to the dorsal face only.
Numbers 5, 6 and 7 were all found in 1929. Number 5 resembles Number 4 in shape and size and Number 1 in color. Its dorsal face has been completely retouched except for a small area near the base. Here, as in Number 1, the untouched facet represent a bit of surface of fracture made at some preceding time rather than a bit of one of the hexagonal faces of the original crystal.
In so far as quality of crystal is concerned, Number 6 is the poorest of the lot. It is colorless but not flawless. That the crystal mass from which it was struck had been reduced to a pebble by water action is shown in the unworked part opposite the edge and reserved as the handhold.
The last and largest of the series of rock crystal tools (No. 7) was likewise struck from a crystal that had been reduced to a pebble; it was not the same pebble as in the preceding case but a much larger one formed from a crystal of great purity-absolutely clear and flawless. On the unretouched end there is a fine bulb of percussion. The dorsal face is completely retouched except at the base and the retained bit of the pebble surface on the lower half of the side opposite the long retouched margin.
The retention of a portion of the pebble surface on two of these rock crystal tools and of a slightly waterworn surface of fracture on two others (1 and 5) may serve as a clue to the location of the original source of rock crystal supply. The nearest source is the region of eruptive rock lying near to and beyond the headwaters of the Vézère in the direction of the Limousin and Puy-de-Dôme. They were carried from this region to Sergeac either by Neandertal man or by the Vézère river. The fact that at least two of the rock crystal tools were struck from pebbles points to their transport by the river. Neandertal man had only to pick up the pebbles in the river bed at the foot of his Abri des Merveilles. They were carried to the rock shelter before the chipping was done just as was the supply of quartzite pebbles for hammerstones. Chips of rock crystal were found in situ in the lower Mousterian level. We know that tools of flint were shaped on the spot because we were able to fit one tool to its parent core which when found was only some 15 cm. removed from the tool itself.
This is mute evidence of the collection by Neanderthals of objects of no great use, except for their beauty. Rock crystal, or quartz, is, surprisingly, not so good for tools as flint and other similar microcrystalline forms.
The objects are on display at the Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye, and are listed as being collected by Neanderthals, and as coming from Sergeac, with no more detailed provenance, but they are plainly the same as those in the photograph above from the American School of Prehistoric Research dig at Les Merveilles.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Closeups of the quartz crystal tools above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Closeup of one of the quartz crystal tools above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Closeup of one of the quartz crystal tools above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Closeup of one of the quartz crystal tools above.
The seventh tool, seen above in the group photo of 2014, was on loan to another museum in 2015.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2015
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
This is the seventh tool, a closeup from the group photo of 2014, since it was on loan to another museum in 2015.
It may also be seen immediately below, rotated end for end and front to back, thus showing the other side, in a photograph from the 2018 Neanderthal Exhibition at Musée de l'Homme.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Display, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Racloir, or side scraper, in rock crystal (quartz) from Abri des Merveilles.
Middle Palaeolithic.
( the lighting at this exhibition really brought out the beauty of this rock crystal tool - Don )
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2018
Musée d'Archéologie mationale - Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Source and text: Musée de l'Homme, Paris
(left)
1 and 2. Flint scrapers.
3. Chopper
4. Point
From the lower Mousterian level.
(right)
1 and 2. Flint hand axes
3 and 4. Scrapers
From the upper Mousterian level.
Photo and text: MacCurdy (1930)
5 flint points.
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles, at Castel-Merle, near Sergeac, Dordogne.
Catalog: YPM ANT 013456
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/
search/Record/YPM-ANT-013456
3 flint perforators ( perçoirs, awls ).
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles, at Castel-Merle, near Sergeac, Dordogne.
Catalog: YPM ANT 013457
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/
search/Record/YPM-ANT-013457
Flint disk.
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 013225
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/search/Record/YPM-ANT-013225
La Quina type scraper from l'abri des Merveilles.
From the wonderful resource of Aggsbach's Paleolithic Blog.
Photo: http://www.aggsbach.de/2010/12/quina-scraper-from-abri-de-merveilles-vallon-des-roches-at-sergeac/
Scrapers from l'abri des Merveilles, France.
Archaeological Society of Washington and American School for Prehistoric Research accession, accession 98484.
Catalog 341844
Photo and text: Petraglia and Potts (2004)
Bone fragments from l'abri des Merveilles, France.
(a) long-bone fragments, catalog number 341839, showing pitting, gouging, and rootlet marks.
(b) long-bone fragments, catalog number 341871.
(c) split long-bone shaft, catalog number 341838.
Archaeological Society of Washington and American School for Prehistoric Research accession, accession 95150, 98484.
Catalog 341844
Photo and text: Petraglia and Potts (2004)
3 flint disks or disk-shaped nuclei.
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 013462
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/search/Record/YPM-ANT-013462
Bone of aurochs ( Bos primigenius ).
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 010915
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/
search/Record/YPM-ANT-010915
12 flint tools, chipped on one or more sides.
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 013455
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/search/Record/YPM-ANT-010915
5 handaxes (cleavers).
Upper Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 010867
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://discover.odai.yale.edu/ydc/Record/2315145
2 flint scraper knives of unusual colour and quality.
Lower Mousterian level.
Abri des Merveilles at Castle-Merle near Sergeac, Dordogne, France.
Catalog: YPM ANT 010836
Collection of G.G. MacCurdy
Photo and text: http://collections.peabody.yale.edu/
search/Record/YPM-ANT-010915
Abri Reverdit
Abri Reverdit at Castel-Merle - the reception area. The refurbished building has been very well set up, and there is ample parking for visitors.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
The abri has been protected by a stone wall, with entry via the door on the left.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Panorama of Abri Reverdit interior
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Abri Reverdit, showing the cliff wall and the archaeological site at the far end, and a display of engravings coming originally from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Père Igor
Date: 12th September 2011
Permission: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Abri Reverdit, Stratigraphic Sections of the deposits from the 1935 excavations.
D - spoil from excavations
TV - topsoil
S - sandy layer
E2 - mainly fallen rocks
TR - rust coloured soil
C2 - upper bed with lenticular hearth
E1 - lower bed of fallen rocks with traces of occupation
C1 - lower bed
P - loose stones
T - sterile layer
Photo: Delage (1935)
Engravings from Abri Blanchard dating to the old Aurignacian, 34 000 BP.
Displayed here at Abri Reverdit.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Engravings from Abri Blanchard dating to the old Aurignacian, 34 000 BP.
Displayed here at Abri Reverdit.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Mme Isabelle Castanet, a very knowledgeable archaeologist who provides a wonderful introduction to the gisements in the Vallon des Roches for visitors to this very important privately owned archaeological site and museum.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
The Rowan, a prehistoric Tree in the Castel-Merle area, this example is in front of Abri Reverdit.
Rowan Berry trees are particularly hardy, and were in the area during the last ice age.
Rowans are mostly small deciduous trees 10-20 m tall, though a few are shrubs. The leaves are arranged alternately, and are pinnate, with (7-)11-35 leaflets; a terminal leaflet is always present. The flowers are borne in dense corymbs; each flower is creamy white, and 5-10 mm across with five petals. The fruit is a small pome 4-8 mm diameter, bright orange or red in most species, but pink, yellow or white in some Asian species. The fruit are soft and juicy, which makes them a very good food for birds, particularly waxwings and thrushes, which then distribute the rowan seeds in their droppings. Due to their small size the fruits are often referred to as berries, but a berry is a simple fruit produced from a single ovary, whereas a pome is an accessory fruit.
Rowan is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.
The Rowan is closely related to apples and hawthorns in the rose family.
The best-known species is the European Rowan Sorbus aucuparia, a small tree typically 4-12 m tall growing in a variety of habitats throughout northern Europe and in mountains in southern Europe and southwest Asia. Its berries are a favourite food for many birds and are a traditional wild-collected food in Britain and Scandinavia. It is one of the hardiest European trees, occurring to 71° north in Vardø in Arctic Norway, and has also become widely naturalised in northern North America.
The wood is dense and used for carving and turning and for tool handles and walking sticks. Rowan berries are a traditional source of tannins for mordanting vegetable dyes.
The berries of European Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) can be made into a slightly bitter jelly which in Britain is traditionally eaten as an accompaniment to game, and into jams and other preserves, on their own, or with other fruits. The berries can also be a substitute for coffee beans, and have many uses in alcoholic beverages: to flavour liqueurs and cordials, to produce country wine, and to flavour ale.
Rowan cultivars with superior fruit for human food use are available but not common; mostly the fruits are gathered from wild trees growing on public lands.
Text above: Wikipedia
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
General view of Abri Reverdit, showing the dig on the left, as well as the locked door and the stone wall put up to protect the area under the abri.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri Reverdit, showing the new dig, as well as the stone wall and locked door put up to preserve the area beneath the abri.
Photo: Père Igor
Date: 12th September 2011
Permission: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
The area under the abri, behind the stone wall.
The two black ends of a hole through a Pierre à Anneau are very noticeable if you click on the right hand photo to see the zoomed version.
Photo: Rayando, via Photobucket
Date: May 2007
The area under the abri, behind the stone wall.
Note the Pierre à Anneau on the floor.
The wall of the shelter is organised in two sub-parallel horizontal levels, offset, giving a stepped profile.
Photo: Bourdier (2008)
Photo montage of the frieze at Abri Reverdit.
The sculptures here are thought to date from the middle Magdalenian, around 14 000 BP. There is a well-preserved fireplace in the shelter.
Photo: Bourdier (2008)
Drawing of the frieze at Abri Reverdit.
Fracture - crack in the wall
Arête supérieure - convex ridge
Arête inférieure - concave ridge, valley
Surface non écaillé - surface which has not been touched
Brossage - scraped surface
Tracé digité récent - recently scraped lines using fingers
Coup métallique - blow from a metallic tool
Mousse - moss
Photo: Bourdier (2008)
Abri Reverdit bison from the carved frieze of the abri.
(This bison appears to have been carved using a natural boss on the wall of the cave as a starting point, in much the same way as some of the bison on the roof of Altamira in Spain. This appears especially evident in the poster of the same bison below - Don )
Photo: A. Maulny with permission from I. Castanet-Daumas.
Text: translated and adapted from Bourdier et al. (2010)
Abri Reverdit bison in false colour and with side lighting to reveal the contours.
Photo: A. Maulny with permission from I. Castanet-Daumas.
The sculptures have also been modified in the form of fingers dragged across the surface, in order to more easily see the outlines of the animals. They make the contours blurry while the rest is sharp. Again, these digital marks highlight the softness of the walls. Others appear more randomly, without apparent intention, and seem more consistent with the imprints left by curious visitors touching the wall.
This shows the fingered outlines of the first bison foreleg, graphic unit no 2, the main bison, shown above.
Photo: Bourdier (2008)
This represents the best drawing possible of the original bison number 1, the bison to the left, relying on the evidence apparent today.
Photo: Bourdier (2008)
Posters of parietal art (cave engravings or sculptures in situ) and art mobilier (portable pieces of art) found at the abris of the area.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Decorated bone disc or 'roundel' cut from a scapula. There is a perforation in the centre and another at the edge of the piece which has an ancient break. One face is decorated with the forequarters, mane and part of the jaw of a horse, facing left; the opposite has the forequarters and part of the back of one horse, superimposed on the mane, neck and part of the head of another, both facing left. This thin bone has ancient damage around two thirds of its circumference.
Length 6.8 centimetres, width 6.4 centimetres, thickness 0.15 centimetres
Acquisition date: 1919
Excavated by Reverdit in 1878 and identified by one of his labels with the site name and location, as well as his initials AR. Sold to W.A.Sturge then bequeathed to the BM.
Photo and text: http://www.britishmuseum.org/
Posters of (left) an unattributed dig in the Castel-Merle area, and (right) M. René Castanet giving a demonstration of flint knapping. He is a highly skilled practitioner of the art.
Rephotography: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Abri Reverdit.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
The drawing to the left shows clearly how the shelters were used. Rings were carefully and patiently chipped out in the limestone about 50 cm apart to accept thongs which held up animal skin walls. These provided shelter from wind and driving rain and snow.
If I were to do it, I would chip a deep and wide hole first, then tunnel into one side of the hole at its base, then chip away the rest of the stone, leaving a knob with a hole in it. It could not have been easy or fast to do, and I would love to see a closeup of any of these ancient "curtain rings".
The drawing to the right shows stages in the making of necklaces, many of which were found in the Castel-Merle complex.
Photo: © By kind permission of Eric Le Brun http://elebrun.canalblog.com/
A typical scene at Vallon des Roches, with a child learning how to knap flint, a man chiselling out a bison on the cliff wall, and a woman stringing beads.
Photo: © By kind permission of Eric Le Brun http://elebrun.canalblog.com/
Chiselling out a bison on the cliff wall
Photo: © By kind permission of Eric Le Brun http://elebrun.canalblog.com/
Lower part of a Bison, Abri Reverdit. A sketch of the engravings on the stone is shown above.
I must confess, it is not easy to make out the shape!
However, I can make out what appears to be a small front leg, with two at the back and a penis, and the lower line of the animal, facing to the right. The whole top of the bison has been broken off.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original on display at Le Musée National de Préhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
L'Abri Reverdit was found to contain Magdalenian material. It is about 15 m wide, up to 5 m deep and 3 m high. In about 1923 it was also found to contain a little horizontal frieze, about halfway up the wall, of very eroded sculptures in bas- and haut-relief. From left to right, a small horse head (very doubtful), a horse about 1 m long, a bison of the same length, the dorsal line of a possible small bison and finally another longer bison. Part of the horse and the two larger bison are the easiest to discern. They are thought to date to the Middle Magdalenian, around 14 000 years ago. A stratigraphic section can also be seen in the shelter, containing a well preserved fireplace.Text above adapted from Bahn (2007)
This is a very useful sketch of the bison shown above.
Bottom half of bison in bas-relief (MNP 35-1-1, 35-1-2 MNP, MNP 35-1-3): synthetic picture and tracing.
Photo: © MNP, photo B. and G. Paillet Delluc 1999, tracing C. Bourdier.
Source: Bourdier (2011), http://paleo.revues.org/2070
Sandstone Lamp from Abri Reverdit
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Artist's impression of the Castel-Merle area at the time of its occupation during the last ice age, perhaps 15 000 years ago.
Rephotography: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Map of the Castel-Merle area. It includes rock shelters along the banks of the Vézère and below the cliffs of the side gorge of Vallon des Roches.
Rephotography: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Display board showing the major divisions of cultural artefacts according to age, type and sophistication.
Rephotography: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Abri Reverdit
Habitat de l'époque magdalénienne.
Monument historique. (16 000 - 13 000)BP.
Fresques sculptées en bas-relief.
Blocs graves à cupules. Anneaux.
Une importante industrie lithique.
Premier sondage M. Reverdit, en 1878.
Fouilles M. C. Stanet. Delage. Robin.
Coupe stratigraphique. Foyers.
Faune: cheval, bison, cervidé.
Habitat of the Magdalenian period.
Historic monument. (16 000 - 13 000) BP.
Frieze carved in low relief.
Blocks carved with cupules. Pierres à Anneaux.
An important lithic industry.
First survey M. Reverdit in 1878.
Excavations M. C. Stanet. Delage. Robin.
Stratigraphical cross-section. Fireplaces.
Fauna: horse, bison, deer.
Rephotography: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Reverdit in the Vallon des Roches
Abri Roc d'Acier
Abri Roc d'Acier
Habitat de 50 m de long et 6 m de large,
avant l'effondrement de la voûte.
Epoque périgordienne et solutréenne.
(28 000 - 18 000) BP.
Premier sondage M. Reverdit en 1878.
Fouilles M. Castanet et F. Delage.
Importante industrie lithique.
Faune: bison, aurochs.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
A rock shelter 50 m long and 6 m wide, before the collapse of the overhang.
Périgordienne and Solutrean era. (28 000 - 18 000) BP.
M. Reverdit first survey in 1878.
Excavations M. Castanet and F. Delage.
Important stone industry.
Wildlife: bison, aurochs.
Abri Roc d'Acier
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri Roc d'Acier
Les sondages effectués sur cette zone révélent la présence d'une stratigraphie identique aux habitats paléolithiques voisins sur 200 m. d'occupation continue.
Surveys carried out in this area reveal the presence of a stratigraphy similar to neighboring Palaeolithic habitats continuously occupied for 200 thousand years.
( This seems somewhat optimistic to me. The oldest deposit at Castel-Merle I can find so far is circa 45 000 BP- Don )
Note the ubiquitous use of bamboo for guard rails and so on. Bamboo has taken over large parts of the Vézère valley, and is starting to be used as what Australians call 'bush timber'. That is, rough uses where milled timber is not necessary.
I understand that this is certainly a former shelter, but the large rocks collapsed on it have made excavations too expensive for the present. No doubt when funds become available it will be excavated.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri Roc d'Acier.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri Labattut
L'Abri Labattut
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Habitat de 50 m long et 20 m de large.
Monument historique.
Epoque périgordienne et solutréenne.
(28 000 - 18 000) BP.
Fouilles M. Castanet, H. Breuil, L. Didon.
Gravures et peintures sur blocs.
Industrie lithique et osseuse.
Squelette d'enfant solutréen avec parures de coquilages et dents de cerfs.
Faune: cheval, mammouth, bison, cerf.
Fouilles M. Castanet de 1911 à 1914.
This abri was 50 m long and 20 m wide.
Historical monument.
Perigordian and Solutrean deposits.
28 000 - 18 000 BP.
Excavations carried out by M. Castanet, H. Breuil, L. Didon.
Engravings and paintings on rocks.
Stone and bone industries.
The skeleton of a Solutrean infant was found, with jewellery of shells and deer teeth
Animals: Horses, Mammoths, Bison, Deer.
The excavations by M. Castanet were from 1911 to 1914.
( Note that the skeleton of the infant has been reported rediscovered in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and is currently being studied - Don )
The excavations in 1912.
From left to right M. Féaux, D. Peyrony, L. Didon, A. ou G. de Fayolle, A. Delugin.
Abri Labattut was named from the original owner, Jean Labattut (or Labatut), who sold it to the archaeologist Louis Didon on 23rd May 1911.
Photo: G. de Fayolle, 1912 (SHAP)
Source and text: Brigitte et Gilles Delluc, http://www.hominides.com/html/lieux/abri-labattut.php
Fouilles à L'Abri Labattut (Marcel Castanet 1921)
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
L'Abri Labattut
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
L'Abri Labattut
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
L'Abri Labattut
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
L'Abri Labattut had a display featuring an engraving and painting of a horse. The painting of a horse is actually from Abri Blanchard, although the engraving of a horse does come from L'Abri Labattut.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at l'Abri Labattut.
The display had deteriorated somewhat with time and weather, but was a useful indicator of what had been found there.
The engraving of a horse is now in the American Museum of Natural History.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at l'Abri Labattut.
Another version of the horse engraving.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
A better version of the horse engraving.
Photo: http://www.istmira.com/foto-i-video-pervobytnoe-obschestvo/3924-iskusstvo-predystorii-pervobytnost-2.html
Engraved horse, enhanced with red ochre.
This is a museum quality facsimile.
The original is housed in the Museum of Natural History, New York.
Photo: http://www.castel-merle.com/
The horse was acquired in the course of a 1912 expedition to Europe to obtain prehistoric artefacts for the collection of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). The horse, sculpted in bas relief and found in an early Upper Palaeolithic context at Abri Labattut was probably carved on the wall of the shelter, but was found buried within Palaeolithic archaeological levels. The fact that it was found in a securely dated context makes it particularly valuable. It was taken to New York, where it has remained ever since.
The horse was purchased by Henry Fairfield Osborn, director of the AMNH, and George Grant MacCurdy of Yale University from Louis Didon of Périgeux for 1000 Francs, or $200.
Text above from Simek (1986)
M. René Castanet in L'Abri Labattut, making a large tool of silex.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Block from Labattut, broken into three pieces.
Lines and black areas drawn by Abbé Glory who identified at the left a silhouette of a bison, at the centre an unidentified animal, and on the right an incomplete mammoth.
Period: Gravettian, Solutrean. Classified as a Historical Monument 24th August 1931 Sources: L'art des cavernes, atlas des grottes ornées paléolithiques françaises (excluding specific references) Neekoo and Kroko for Hominides.com.
Photo and text: http://www.hominides.com/html/lieux/abri-labattut.php
L'Abri Labattut had paintings and engravings of a large deer, mammoth, bison, and a hand in negative. This copy of a drawing of a deer in manganese dioxide (a black pigment) is by Abbé Glory.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
The original painting.
Photo: Brigitte and Gilles Delluc
Engraving of a vulva symbol on a limestone block from Abri Labattut, shown here at Abri Blanchard.
Photo: http://www.svnw.de/bericht/praehistorie.htm
The negative image of a hand appears to have been done by the classic method of blowing a suspension of an oxide held in the mouth over a hand placed on the rock, a technique and subject so much favoured in the rock paintings of Australian aborigines.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
L'Abri du Four
L'Abri du Four is a natural cave used during the Middle Ages from the 9th to the 15th Centuries, and at one time was a refuge from the invading Norsemen. As with many other shelters or abris, it bears the scars of rafters put in to support roofs of houses which leant against the limestone cliff. Often there is also a thin channel cut in the limestone to accept a leaden sheet which stops seepage down the back wall of the house from rain beating on the cliff wall above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri du Four
Habitat du IXème au XVème ème siècle.
Vestiges d'aménagement de constructions en bois intégrées à la paroi rocheuse.
Evier, foyer, four.
Boulins, larmiers.
Abri du Four
Habitat from the 9th to the 15th century
Traces of supports for wooden buildings built into the cliff face.
Sink, fireplace, furnace.
Holes for structural timbers, driplines cut into the rock for roofs.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri La Souquette
Abri La Souquette
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Abri La Souquette
Note the line of vegetation above the entrance to the abri. This could be the remnants of a channel dug out of the limestone during the middle ages to accept lead sheet to seal a roof from seepage down the cliff.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Abri La Souquette
Epoques
Aurignacienne (34 000 - 28 000 BP)
Solutréenne (21 000 - 18 000 BP).
Magdalénienne (16 000 - 13 000 BP).
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Habitat médiéval aménagé.
Premier sondage par A. Landesque en 1902.
Fouilles M. Castanet, A. Roussot.
Gravures et peintures sur bloc.
Industrie lithique et osseuse.
Grand nombre d'éléments de parure.
Faune: renne, cheval, bison, ours.
Etageries du IX ième siècle.
Couche 1: superficielle stérile.
Couche 2: argilo-sableuse stérile.
Couche 3: éboulis calcaire, poteries.
Couche 4: déchets de taille de la paroi.
Couche 5: argileuse, silex taillés, poterie.
Couche 6: argilo-sableuse, céramiques.
Couche 7: argilo-sableuse, dallage de pierres.
Couche 8: argileuse, magdalénien.
Couche 9: sableuse, solutréen.
Couche 10: sableuse, fosse silo (Moyen-Age).
Couche 11: sablo-argilée, aurignacien, foyer, gravures sur bloc, colorants.
Site developed during the Mediaeval period.
First survey by A. Landesque in 1902.
Excavations by M. Castanet, A. Roussot.
Engravings and paintings on the stone of the abri.
Lithic and bone industry.
A large amount of personal jewellery.
Wildlife: elk, horse, bison and bear.
Layers starting with IX th century deposits:
Layer 1: sterile surface.
Layer 2: sterile clay and sand layer.
Layer 3: limestone boulders, pottery.
Layer 4: Waste from the abri wall.
Layer 5: clay, worked flint, pottery.
Layer 6: sandy clay, ceramics.
Layer 7: clay and sand, paving stones.
Layer 8: clay from the Magdalenian.
Layer 9: sandy deposits from the Solutrean.
Layer 10: sandy pit silo dug in the Middle Age.
Layer 11: Sandy clay, Aurignacian, fireplace, wall engravings, ochres.
Beads and pendants in ivory, steatite, marine shells and perforated teeth.
Collections Castanet, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
A: Aurignacian blade tools from La Souquette recovered by Hauser
(photo: O. Hauser)
B-D: personal ornaments recovered by Marcel Castanet from the spoil-heap of previous excavations
B: perforated ivory sea-shell facsimile
C: perforated steatite pendant with radial incisions
D: perforated red deer vestigial canine (photos: R. White).
Photo and text: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
(left) Engraving of a bison from l'Abri La Souquette.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
(right) Drawing of the bison engraving, by Christine Dubourg. The dashes delimit natural depressions of the rock slab.
Photo: Dubourg, Bouvier, Castanet (1994)
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac.
On the back of the rock slab above, an engraving of a Saiga Antelope has been discovered.
This is a drawing of the engraving, by Christine Dubourg. The shaded areas correspond to superficial defects of the rock slab.
Photo: Dubourg, Bouvier, Castanet (1994)
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac.
Saïga Antelope, showing only the head, facing to the right, found at La Souquette, on the other side of the bison slab above.
Photo of the back of the slab: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Facsimile, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
On the left is a photograph of the back of the slab showing the Saiga Antelope, on display in the Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac.
Photo: Unknown, rephotographed by Don Hitchcock 2014.
Engraving on a bear's canine tooth.
Note the pattern - a repetition of this pattern, mirrored, would make the hexagonal pattern seen on some other pieces, especially engravings on mammoth tusk.
Label:
Dent gravée
La Souquette, Sergeac (Dordogne)
Canine d'ours
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord, Périgueux
Top: figurative engraved block recovered in spoil-heap at Abri de la Souquette by Marcel Castanet (photo: R. White)
Bottom: engraved block recovered from Aurignacian deposits in 1981 (photo: R. Bourrillon).
Photo and text: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
A selection of formal lithic tools recovered from Aurignacian deposits at the Abri de la Souquette.
A: double burin
B: side-scraper
C: end-scraper on retouched blade
D: end-scraper on Aurignacian blade
E-G: carinate end-scrapers
H: double end-scraper on Aurignacian blade.
Photo and text: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
as determined by F. Delpech in 1980s, Roussot (1982).
| Context | Common Name | Taxon | Number of Identified Specimens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer 11 (Aurignacian) Calibrated age ca 37 000 BP |
Reindeer | Rangifer | 18 |
| Horse | Equus | 7 | |
| Fox | Vulpes | 1 | |
| Pig | Sus (intrusive) | 1 | |
| Presumed Palaeolithic | Reindeer | Rangifer | 177 |
| Aurochs/Bison | Bos/Bison | 1 | |
| Chamois | Rupicapra | 2 | |
| Horse | Equus | 2 | |
| Hare | Lepus | 3 | |
| Fox | Vulpes | 2 | |
| Historic | Pig | Sus | 2 |
| Sheep or goat | Ovicapra | 1 | |
| Hare/Rabbit | Lagomorph | 6 | |
| Mole | Talpa | 3 | |
| Bird | Avian | 3 |
Faunal identifications are listed in the table above, and are dominated by reindeer. In addition to the taxa listed above, 641 unidentifiable bone fragments, and an additional 455 burnt fragments of 1cm or less were also recovered from layer 11. The osseous industry from layer 11 included a burnt fragment of a bone or antler point, a fragment of what is described as a baton, and several incised, splintered and percussed bone pieces.
Text and data for the table: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
Southwest-facing stratigraphic profile of deposits excavated at Abri de la Souquette in 1982.
Photo and text: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
This photograph pictures the highlighted area shown in the drawing of the profile above from Abri de la Souquette in 1982, and shows Layer 11, and the intact overlying Layers 8, 9 and 10. Grid squares = 1 m.
Photo and text: O'Hara, White et al (2015)
Abri La Souquette sign and profile.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri La Souquette profile.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri La Souquette profile.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Parures
Eléments de parures constitués de perles en ivoire de mammouth, en stéatite, ainsi que des couillages marins et dents d'animaux percés.
Dans cet abri fut d'écouverte en 1920 un atelier de fabrication de perles unique au monde. Cet atelier a permis à M. Castanet de comprendre le processus de fabrication des perles 'panier'.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Souquette
Necklaces
Elements of necklaces made from beads of mammoth ivory and soapstone, as well as marine shells and drilled animal teeth.
In this shelter was discovered in 1920 the workshop production of unique beads. This workshop allowed Mr. Castanet to understand the process of making 'basket beads'.
See the photos from M. René Castanet's museum for the process.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display at Abri Souquette
Abri du Guetteur
Abri du Guetteur
Cantonnement du IXème siècle et de la Guerre de cent ans.
Post de guet creusé dans le roc en surélévation.
Vestiges de fixations de structures de bois et cordages.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Abri du Guetteur (Abri of the Guard)
A cantonment, a temporary or semi-permanent military quarters of the 9th century and the Hundred Years War.
A watchman's post was carved into the rock higher up.
There are traces of the construction of wooden structures and cables.
A rough table and chairs has been placed there, useful for students and supervisors in the area, as well as walkers along the river bank.
Continuation of the cliff along the Vézère
The cliff continues for some distance beside the Vézère, with occasional holes in its face where roof rafters had been placed for houses from the Middle Ages.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
This is a very interesting part of the cliff. There is a spring under the overhang which has been protected by stonework, and provides large amounts of crystal clear drinkable water.
This would have been a very valuable resource, both in prehistoric times, and during the Middle Ages when the spring was first probably protected by a stone cover.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
The first photo shows the spring in the distance, then a shot of the spring, and this photo shows the clarity and abundance of the water. Note what looks like a later addition of a thin layer of mortar or concrete.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
It is a very pleasant walk along the riverbank, and continues for a considerable distance.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
The well beaten path shows that many other people enjoy the walk regularly.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Known locally as 'le Fort des Anglais', this is an important dovecote, or pigeon house, or pigeonnier. There are holes in the rock to accommodate floor joists, with 148 much larger rectangular holes above for the pigeons. These larger holes would presumably have had wooden or metal grilles as doors.
It also appears that the original cavity has been enlarged and squared off to accommodate a larger, rectangular structure.
Pigeons were an important source of food in Mediaeval times, and were kept for their eggs, flesh, and dung.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
A former bridge across the Vézère now in disrepair, with canoeists on the opposite bank. The Vézère is well serviced in terms of kayak and canoe rental.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
This was a sad sight. The sign was at an abandoned 'prehistoric' park, one that was no doubt started with high hopes - but there was little of interest in the area that was not available elsewhere in the Les Eyzies region. It was closed when I was there in 2008, and the sign says the opening was to be in June 2005. I turned around and retraced my steps.
However, the park, in the setting of a wooded 18 Ha on the edge of the Vézère river is now open (as of 2020) during the summer months, from April to All Saints' Day, 1st November.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
The walk back was just as enjoyable.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
This abri looked to me as though it might repay excavation. It would have been a prime site for a shelter, high and wide, offering good views across the river towards the movement of game on the broad grassy opposite bank during the ice age when the trees would have been much smaller or non-existent.
Indeed, this is the abri which had the spring with a plentiful supply of good drinking water, which had been covered by a roof of stone, and a pool dug out as part of the construction. It was certainly occupied at one time.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
The area is famous for its walnuts. My campsite was beside a walnut orchard. I found that the less civilised the camping area, the better was the camping, with soft ground and (usually) well maintained bathroom facilities. I camped every night of my month long archaeology field trip in the south of France. The weather was generally very kind to me!
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
The entry to M. René Castanet's Museum at Castel-Merle.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Poster on the door of the museum showing M. Castanet's father, M. Marcel Castanet, sieving excavated materials, looking for artefacts.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
My thanks to Carolyn Hailstones for this charming photo of the Castanet family, including M. René Castanet, Mme Andrea Castanet and Isabelle Castanet, their grandaughter, at their garden/museum in Castel Merle.
It is with great sadness that I must write that M. Castanet died on 28th February 2013, aged 90. His wife Andrea was at his side when he passed away. His funeral was held on Saturday 2nd March 2013 at 4.30 pm at the Church of Sergeac, the town where he had lived all his life, and where he had been mayor for thirty years.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
M. Castanet uses a wide range of tools for knapping flints, depending on the size, type and quality of the material, as well as the size and type of tool he is making, and the particular size and type of flake he wishes to detach.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Some of M. René Castanet's store of stones for knapping. Note the red & black obsidian.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
M. René Castanet in his museum. He is a very erudite man, and has been mayor of Sergeac for many years.
As well, he is a strong man, and highly skilled in flint knapping, which requires dexterity, skill, strength, and a great understanding of flint. When I was there, he spent two hours showing me the exhibits, and permitted me to take many photographs.
He and his father were the driving force in the discovery and exploration and excavation of the very important sites of Castel-Merle in the Vezere valley. He was very kind to me, and spoke in excellent formal French, but slow enough that I could follow and understand his thoughts and explanations, even though my knowledge of French is limited. I was very grateful for his kindness and generosity of spirit.
He is a true gentleman.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
M. Castanet has written a very useful and interesting book about the local area of Sergeac,
"Les Perles de Sergeac en Périgord Noir" which he was kind enough to sign for me.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Castanet (2006)
This post on the Palanth Forum by trehinp expresses my feelings also when I visited M. Castanet's museum a few months later:
I feel so good about sharing with you a wonderful experience. Last Thursday, I went to a visit in Sergeac, near Montignac, on the Vallee de la Vézère, world famous location of the Lascaux Cave.
In Sergeac, a small village on the river side, I met with René Castanet, probably in his mid eighties. He has dedicated his life to the passion he has for the prehistory of his region. It must be said that he was blessed by living in an area where such prehistoric memories are abundant...
Sergeac is located near one of the most well known prehistoric sites : "Abri Blanchard", and the area has preserved, in several stratas, remains of human activities dating from 500K BP up to the Neolithic period. There is also a decorated cave that is open to the public.
René has installed a small museum containing various artefacts from all these periods... Between you an I, this is the most comprehensive collection of original flint stone tools I've ever seen. Unlike other museums, you will see there real prehistoric tools, not facsimile ones as is the case in most museums... There is also a collection of some of the most beautiful Aurignacian necklaces available in the world. And the organisation of the museum is extremely well thought out.
René receives visitors, in small number, in his tiny garden, offering you to take a seat, while he will pick up a flint stone cortex and endeavours to work, in front of your eyes, on the knapping of a prehistoric stone tool. His explanations are wonderfully clear and definitely based on a deep knowledge of the subject and a great experience with the activity. In the end he will give you (he doesn't sell) the final stone tool he just made, which differs only with the prehistoric ones because it doesn't have the wear of a real prehistoric one.
I have learned more about stone tools in this two hours visit with him than in the reading of several books written by scholars... I may comment on this later on.
If you ever get to be near Montignac, you should pay a visit to René, you won't regret it... But do it soon as here is the answer he made when I told him that I would be back to spend more time with him:
'Come back soon, while I'm still here..."'
You will find the visit worth it...
Display at the museum.
Mousterian points.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Display at the museum.
Mousterian points and raclettes (scrapers).
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Poster of a bas-relief of a bison from L'Abri Reverdit, which M. Castanet is indicating with his pointer.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Poster of an engraving of a horse from Abri Labattut.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Engraving of a vulva from Abri Blanchard.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Photo of an engraving of an animal from Abri Blanchard (possibly an ibex -Don)
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Another version of this engraving of an ibex.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Photo of a painting of a horse on the wall of l'Abri Labattut.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
This is a very useful summary of the main art discoveries in the Castel-Merle complex.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Engraved block, with the 'ring' of a Pierre à Anneau, and a vulva.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Engraved block, vulvas.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Engraved block, vulvas.
Dated Aurignacian
L'Abri Blanchard
Photo: http://adamcope.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
Cupules.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Cupules.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Two cupules with a channel cut to the edge of the block, left and lower right.
These remind me of the portable lamps carved in stone, burning oil or fat, using a wick, which have been discovered in similar deposits.
I am unsure what the carved depression in the upper rock on the right hand photo is for.
Photo: (left) Don Hitchcock 2008
Photo: (right) Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Aurignacian necklace., using shells and animal teeth, including apparently two cave bear incisors at the base of the necklace.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Closeup of part of the lower section of the necklace above. Note that the central bead has been replaced by M. Castanet with a better made bead which more closely matches the other parts of the necklace, compared with that in the photograph above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Closeup of the upper part of the necklace above.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklaces. Note that the necklace on the left is essentially the same as the necklace in the photos above, with mostly the same shells and teeth.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklaces.
I have included the flash photo despite the glare on the glass, because finer detail can be seen on the other parts of the necklace.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklace and a pierced tooth closeup. Careful examination of the tooth reveals that the original almost circular hole has been extended by wear from the thong used to hold the necklace together. This type of wear is well recognised, and is called "keyholing".
Left, using beads of ivory and steatite, and teeth.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014, 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklaces.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014, 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklace of animal teeth from the Magdalenian.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Necklaces.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014, 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Aurignacian of l'abri Blanchard des Roches à Sergeac, Dordogne
Engraved and notched bone.
This is the famous 'calendar bone'.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Facsimile, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
This is the famous lunar calendar from Abri Blanchard, carved from reindeer antler.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Facsimile, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Another photograph of the lunar calendar.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Explanation of the lunar calendar.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Display, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Bone plaque from the Abri Blanchard, Sergeac, France, with enlargement of the series of pits, suggested to indicate phases of the moon (drawing after Marshack, A. 1970. Notation dans les Gravures du Paléolithique Supérieur, Bordeaux, Delmas.)
Colour photo: source unknown
The following text is from the useful book, 'The Prehistory of Europe' by Patricia Phillips, Allen Lane 1980:
A controversial but imaginative approach to Palaeolithic art has been used over the past decade by Alexander Marshack. This worker believes he has detected notation and symbolism in Upper Palaeolithic art. He investigates artifacts by means of a high-powered microscope, and is also working on the development of spectroscopic techniques for analysis of compositions in the painted caves. The majority of his published results concern mobiliary art; a more recent publication of his draws together evidence for symbolism in the Mousterian, which he regards as the background to the sophistication evident in the early Upper Palaeolithic.
One of Marshack's early reports concerned the lines of pits, strokes or notches cut into six bone or stone plaques of the Aurignacian period, housed at the Musée des Antiquités Nationales at St-Germain-en-Laye. He concluded that the pits occurred in multiples of thirty to thirty-one, and were produced by a series of techniques, for instance stabbing, curving to the left or to the right. In a bone plaque from the Abri Blanchard, Sergeac, Dordogne, in sixty-nine marks there were twenty-four changes in the type of pitting (see figure above). According to Marshack the type of technique changes with the different phases of the moon, when the moon becomes crescent-shaped, full or dark. The Abri Blanchard plaque bore eighty-one marginal marks which, in addition to the original sixty-nine, would comprise a record of about six months. Similar analysis suggested that the marks on both sides of a schist pebble from Barma Grande on the Riviera amounted to a total tally of fifteen months. A decorated bone bearing the design of a horse and rows of pits from La Marche, central France, bore a lunar notation of seven and a half months; the horse had been 're-used' several times. These markings could possibly have been used to represent the seasonal sequence of regional phenomena or economic activities, or ceremonies.
I find this photograph of M. Marcel Castanet (father of M. René Castanet) sieving deposits very evocative. It is very well composed and executed. His work was ground-breaking in the understanding of "basket shaped" beads.
Photo: Castanet (2006)
Stages in the making of beads.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
This is a very interesting phallus carved from a bison horn from Abri Blanchard. The carving is about 36 000 years old and is 250 millimetres long. It must be one of the largest such phallus shapes ever found. The carving shows clearly the cleft at the end of the phallus, seen especially in the photo on the right.
Note also the carved bone in the foreground.
Photo: (left) Don Hitchcock 2008
Photo: (right) Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: Facsimile, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Another version of the phallus above, length 250 mm
Photo: Roger Joussaume, CNRS
Aurignacian of l'abri Blanchard des Roches à Sergeac, Dordogne
28: Sculpture figurant un phallus, corne, sculpture of a phallus, horn.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2014
Source: Original, Musée d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine, St-Germain-en-Laye
Phallus carved in stone from Abri Castanet, showing testicles as well. I have outlined the carving in the version on the right.
The flat stone in front is there just to prop up the carved stone, as far as I can tell.
Photo: Carolyn Hailstones 2009
Source: original, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Reindeer antler is a very useful raw material for a wide variety of tools, since it is freely available, easily carved, yet tough in use.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
M. Castanet has displays of prehistoric tools from many parts of Europe and Africa. I was particularly interested in the Mousterian tools from Vienna, Austria, in the photograph on the right. To me, the material looks very similar to some types of Australian common opal.
Photo: Don Hitchcock 2008
Source: Originals, Musée de la préhistoire à Sergeac
Tools of the Upper Paleolithic found at Castel-Merle
Photo: Castanet (2006)
References
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