Spatula (prehistory)
With spatula (or spatula) are of the archaeologists called bone pieces, which usually have an elongated flat oval shape and merge into a narrower part with a short handle, which may take the form of a fish tail. Spatula-like devices have been around since the younger Paleolithic , but above all since the Magdalenian .
The spatulas discovered in Russia ( Avdeevo ), about 22,000 years old, sometimes had cat-like heads. Generally they are carefully smoothed and have decorations similar to those on the spear throwers and perforated bars . The term spatula only indicates the presumed use. Sometimes the devices are also referred to as straighteners . In many cases, the working area and the shaft area of these devices show a clear usage polish. Often the edges are completely rounded. This is a sign that soft materials have been processed.
The term “spatula” therefore seems more appropriate.
See also
literature
- Lutz Fiedler / G. and W. Rosendahl: Paleolithic from A to Z. Publications of the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museums, Volume 44, WBG, Darmstadt, 2011, p. 266
- Joachim Hahn: Recognition and determination of stone and bone artifacts. Archaeologica Venatoria, Volume 10, Tübingen, 1991, p. 289