Investigating the use of Paleolithic perforated batons: new evidence from Gough’s Cave (Somerset, UK)

Abstract

Perforated batons, usually made from a segment of antler and formed of a sub-cylindrical shaft and at least one perforation, have been documented across Europe from sites throughout the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic. The function of perforated batons is still debated. We present here three Magdalenian perforated batons from the site of Gough's Cave (Somerset, UK); these are unique to Britain and represent an important northern example of this artifact type. Our technological analysis revealed that the Gough's Cave perforated batons did not have a purely symbolic purpose, but were clearly used as tools as demonstrated by extensive use-wear on the perforations' edges and ancient fractures across both the distal parts and the shafts. The reconstruction of the chaîne opératoire suggests that the engraving of the deep curved lines within the perforation of each baton was a functional readjustment following the significant distortion of the perforation by use. Additionally, oblique bands of incisions were engraved on two of the batons' shafts possibly to provide grip on the smooth antler surface. Altogether, the modifications of the perforations and shafts of the three batons support the hypothesis that the Gough's Cave batons were used in a task associated with ropes and subjected to considerable forces. Their extensive use may be due to the rarity of the raw material (reindeer antler) in the Cheddar Gorge area during the Magdalenian. Extensive usage aside, the Gough's Cave batons fit typologically and share a number of features with other Magdalenian perforated batons. They can, therefore, add significant insight to the debate about the use of perforated batons.

Slacklining: A narrative review on the origins, neuromechanical models and therapeutic use

“…Slacklining has very ancient, established history and cultural traditions. The earliest records are insinuated as being possible from approximately 40000 years Before Christ (BC) when man first invented ropes[ 7 ]. Consequently, the necessity and challenge arose to walk along these ropes to enable the completion of normal tasks in construction, movement along and between habitation sites such as cliffs and trees[ 8 ], for communication and social interaction such as crossing gorges as continues in the Russian Dagestan region, on the ropes of early Phoenician sailing vessels in ancient Crete around 1000 BC, and eventually for entertainment[ 4 , 9 ].…”

Un bastón multiperforado de la ocupación del Magdaleniense Final de la cueva Aizkoltxo (Mendaro, Gipuzkoa)

“…En relación al tipo de soporte, se han localizado más de 400 bastones perforados de los que el 45% presentan algún tipo de decoración (Rigaud 2001;Lucas et al 2019). Los primeros ejemplares fueron localizados por E. Lartet y H. Christy, que los denominaron bastones de mando, y se definen como "instrument de bois de cervidé comportant une partie allongée et subcylindrique et une partie distale plus large, de forme variable, toujours percé de un trou" (Barge-Mahieu et al 1992: 7).…”

“…Sin embargo, no hay consenso sobre qué ha producido estas huellas, si se trató de materiales blandos, duros o ambos. El 70% de las piezas muestran fracturas aparentemente predeposicionales por una o varias de las perforaciones, lo cual llama la atención habida cuenta de la resistencia de las cuernas frescas (Lucas et al 2019;Rigaud 2001). Esto evidenciaría su enérgico uso, y podría explicar la presencia de entalladuras o muescas de carácter funcional y/o decorativo en el cuerpo de algunos ejemplares (Aitzbitarte IV, La Vache, Aizkoltxo, etc.)…”

Artists on the edge of the world: An integrated approach to the study of Magdalenian engraved stone plaquettes from Jersey (Channel Islands)

“…Bone and antler were extensively used to make hammers, barbed points, harpoons, needles, perforated batons (bâtons percés), as well as providing material for decorative forms including engravings [e.g. 4,13,14].…”

“…Extending to the far northwest in the British Islands, a restricted range of art objects has been discovered. Mobiliary art has long been known from Creswell Crags [ 41 , 42 ], Kendrick’s Cave [ 43 ] and Gough’s Cave [ 13 , 44 – 48 ]. However, stone plaquettes remain absent from the Magdalenian of the UK.…”