Bison Licking Insect Bite: A 14,000-year-old lifelike figure carved from a weapon (www.livescience.com)
from recreationalplacebos@midwest.social to archaeology@mander.xyz on 26 Aug 2024 21:57
https://midwest.social/post/16191406

This prehistoric carving, discovered inside a cave in France, depicts a steppe wisent (Bison priscus), a now-extinct species of bison. It was crafted from a piece of reindeer antler that was previously used as a spear thrower for hunting, according to the Bradshaw Foundation.

Despite its small size — roughly 4 inches (10.5 centimeters) wide — the figurine contains a wealth of meticulous details, including finely carved individual hairs across the animal’s body and a pair of horns jutting from its head, giving the piece a lifelike quality.

#archaeology