Abri de la Madeleine

Abri de la Madeleine is a renowned archaeological site located in the Dordogne region of southwestern France. It is a rock shelter that has provided significant insights into the Magdalenian culture of the Upper Paleolithic period. The site is situated in the commune of Tursac, near the Vézère River, and is part of the Vézère Valley, which is famous for its prehistoric sites.

History and Discovery

The Abri de la Madeleine was first excavated in the mid-19th century by Édouard Lartet and Henry Christy, who were pioneers in the field of prehistoric archaeology. Their work at the site led to the identification of the Magdalenian culture, named after the site itself. The Magdalenian period is characterized by advanced stone tool technology and the production of art and ornamentation.

Archaeological Significance

The site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including finely crafted flint tools, bone implements, and antler carvings. One of the most famous discoveries from the Abri de la Madeleine is the "Bison Licking Insect Bite," a detailed carving on a piece of reindeer antler that exemplifies the artistic skill of the Magdalenian people.

The stratigraphy of the site has provided a detailed sequence of occupation layers, allowing archaeologists to study changes in tool technology and subsistence strategies over time. The site has also contributed to our understanding of the social and symbolic aspects of Magdalenian life, as evidenced by the presence of personal ornaments and possible ritual objects.

Cultural Context

The Magdalenian culture, which flourished approximately 17,000 to 12,000 years ago, is known for its sophisticated hunting techniques and its art, which includes cave paintings, engravings, and portable art objects. The people of this culture were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on the abundant resources of the Pleistocene environment.

Preservation and Access

The Abri de la Madeleine is protected as a Monument historique and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley." Visitors to the site can explore the rock shelter and view some of the artifacts discovered there, which are displayed in nearby museums such as the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil.

Also see

• Magdalenian
• Vézère Valley
• Lascaux
• Cave painting
• Upper Paleolithic