To shape an entire bison from the palmate section of a reindeer antler the sculptor has ingeniously shown the animal turning to lick its side. The head and neck are formed in low relief against the body. Their exquisite details bring the figure to life. The sculpture may have been part of a spear thrower.

La Madeleine cave.

Musée d’Archéologie Nationale, St Germain-en-Laye, Paris, France.

The most widely-spread and best-known Palaeolithic culture, which started around 17,000 years ago and ended around 11,000 years ago. Its name derives from the La Madeleine site in Dordogne, France. Some of the high points in cave art in all its forms - sculpture, black drawings, polychrome painting, modelling and engraving - are to be found in this period.

Source: Dr Jean Clottes

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