This unusual implement with a broad, flat, ovate blade and narrower, rounded handle was made from one side of the lower jaw of a horse. It has been variously described as a knife, spoon or paddle-shaped object but we do not know its function. It has engraved drawings on both sides. This side shows three horse heads within a border of vertical incisions. One of horses faces left; the others face right and are drawn the opposite way up. This reversal also occurs on the other side which shows a bison and chamois head.

Pekárna Cave, Moravia, Czech Republic.

Brno Museum, Czech Republic.

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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