Towards the reconstruction of Magdalenian artistic techniques: The contribution of microscopic analysis of mobiliary art

On the assumption that Magdalenian mobiliary art is the bearer of certain technical traditions which express cognitive and cultural values, research is directed towards the identification and appreciation of these values through the understanding of techniques involved in bone engraving. Examination of a set of 90 objects from sites in southwest France sheds light on repeated artistic activity and graphic 'recipes' which do not appear to be characteristic of local or regional groups. In the sequence of actions as well as in their final product, there is no activity specific to the Ariege as opposed to the Gironde. Magdalenian artists have identical shared artistic procedures.