A 13,000-year-old engraved bone captures a moment of prehistoric terror.
In short: Hartwig and Jill Cook, Keeper of Britain, Europe and Prehistory, examine an ancient engraved rib bone. This artifact serves as a window into a moment of crisis during the Ice Age, depicting a horse startled by a lion.
The artifact, dating back approximately 13,000 years, provides a rare glimpse into the symbolic and survival-focused world of Palaeolithic humans. By analyzing the engraving, researchers can connect with the immediate, visceral experiences of people living in the Creswell Crags area, a site known for its significant Palaeolithic and prehistoric caves like Boat House Cave and Church Hole Cave.
This object is not merely a tool but a narrative device that encapsulates a specific act of crisis. It highlights the constant tension between predator and prey that defined life during the Ice Age, offering a tangible link to the artistic and cognitive capabilities of early humans.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Objects of Crisis: Breaking point in the Ice Age
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-objects-of-crisis-breaking-point-in-the-ice-age.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Archaeology · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
