Réflexions sur la fonction des microgravettes et la question de l’utilisation de l’arc au gravettien ancien

Abstract

Comments on the function of microgravettes and on the problem of the use of the bow in Early gravettian times. The excavations that are being carried out on the Early Gravettian site of Sire (Mirefleurs, Puy de Dome, France), which has been dated back to around 30,000 BP, have produced a large quantity of microlithic blades and heads with a high proportion of microgravettes and backed points. The microwear analysis of 17 objects, together with a comparative study on 600 ethnographic artifacts, enables us to venture the opinion that those points were arrowheads shot from a bow. Some researchers have already thought that the bow may have been used as early as that period: now it appears to be highly probable.