Decorated Spatula
Hide working
Kostenki type, Russia
Eastern Gravettian,
Around 25 000 years
“Small spatulas” with decorated handles figure amongst the diverse ivory, bone and deer antler tools..
G. Bosinski, Homo Sapiens, Errance, Paris. 1990
Commentary :
25 000 years ago, more rigorous climatic conditions compared to today, lead Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer populations, to protect themselves from the cold.
At Kostenki, in Russia, numerous bone, reindeer antler and mammoth ivory tools, are discovered in a semi-underground dwelling structure.
Spatulas could be used to scrape snow and frost off clothes, as well as to work and soften skins.
Special attention Is paid to their decoration during manufacture.
The decorated spatulas from Kostenki are of great technical importance to the Late Palaeolithic populations, living in very extreme conditions.