Knowra Gravettian Gravettian The Gravettian is an Upper Paleolithic archaeological culture of Europe, flourishing roughly 33,000 to 22,000 years ago and known for distinctive stone tools, hunting practices, and figurines.
Upper Paleolithic : The later phase of the Paleolithic, marked by diverse stone technologies, symbolic expression, and modern human societies. The Gravettian is one of Europe’s major archaeological cultures within this broad period.
Gravette point : A long, narrow backed stone blade used as a projectile element or cutting tool in Gravettian contexts. This diagnostic tool gives the culture its name.
Dolní Věstonice : An Upper Paleolithic archaeological site in Moravia, Czech Republic, with Gravettian occupations and notable art and burials. Its excavations yielded fired-clay figurines and evidence of complex settlement practices.
Upper Paleolithic art : Visual and sculptural works produced by humans during the Upper Paleolithic, including engravings, paintings, and portable objects. Gravettian figurines and ornaments belong to this broader artistic record.
Archaeological culture : A recurring pattern of artifacts and practices archaeologists use to distinguish past communities in time and space. The Gravettian names an archaeological pattern, not a known ethnic group.
Microgravette : A small backed bladelet associated with Gravettian and later Upper Paleolithic stone-tool assemblages. Its compact form illustrates the production of small, haftable cutting or projectile elements.
Pavlov I : A major Gravettian settlement site in Moravia, Czech Republic, dating to around 29,000 years ago. It preserves substantial evidence of dwellings, toolmaking, and mammoth exploitation.
Venus figurine : A class of small prehistoric figurines, often depicting female bodies, made during parts of the Upper Paleolithic. Many well-known examples come from Gravettian contexts, though the class spans multiple cultures.
Aurignacian : An Upper Paleolithic archaeological culture in Europe that preceded the Gravettian and is associated with early figurative art. Its earlier chronology helps situate the Gravettian’s emergence.
Solutrean laurel leaf : A finely pressure-flaked, leaf-shaped stone point characteristic of the later Solutrean culture in western Europe. Its elaborate bifacial shaping contrasts with common Gravettian backed-blade traditions.
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