A Magdalenian decorated baguette demi-ronde from Grotte de l'Abbe (Charente, France)

Abstract

During a recent study of osseous Middle to Late Magdalenian projectile technology housed in the Musée d’Angoulême (Angoulême, Charente), a small but insightful collection of newly recovered Magdalenian technologies from a site known as Grotte de l’Abbé was examined. In this box, the most significant items were two matched baguettes demi-rondes components. As the recovery of both halves of one of these composite projectile points is exceedingly rare, this find alone is exceptional. What makes this find truly extraordinary, however, is the fact that this implement also displays a complex engraved design. This paper describes this rare find along with other projectile point and ornament components found alongside this artefact.