Au·rig·na·cian (ôr  g-n  sh n, ôr n-y-)adj. Of or relating to the Old World Upper Paleolithic culture between Mousterian and Solutrean, associated with early Homo sapiens and characterized by artifacts such as figures of stone and bone, graphic artwork, the use of dress and adornment, and a type of tool culture. [After Aurignac.] |
| Aurignacian (ôrg-nshn, ôrn-y-) Relating to an Upper Paleolithic culture in Europe between the Mousterian and Solutrean cultures, dating from around 32,000 to 25,000 years ago and characterized by flaked stone, bone, and antler tools such as scrapers, awls, and burins (engraving tools). Aurignacian culture is associated with Cro-Magnon populations and is especially noted for its well-developed art tradition, including engraved and sculpted animal forms and female figurines thought to be fertility objects. The earliest fully developed cave art, such as the painted animals in the Lascaux cave in southwest France, dates from this period. |
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