Reindeer Antler Waterskin Stopper
Storing liquids
Gravettian
34 000 to 25 000 years
These objects have given rise to various hypotheses; the only worth retaining considers them to be waterskin stoppers
D. Peyrony, Les gisements préhistoriques de Bourdeilles (Dordogne). Mémoires de l’I.P.H, 1932
Commentary :
Around 29 000 years ago, during the Gravettian, all nomadic hunters had light, flexible, resistant containers, for transporting water as well as cooking food.
Reindeer antler, or ivory waterskin stoppers, are therefore indirect evidence for the availability, and use of water.
Essential to daily life, this vital element is already anchored at the heart of the domestic space.