Abri Pataud facts for kids
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Abri Pataud
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Abri Pataud
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 Location in Aquitaine
Location in France
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| Alternative name | Pataud Shelter |
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| Location | near Eyzies-de-Tayac, |
| Region | Dordogne, France |
| Coordinates | 44°56′13″N 1°0′45″E / 44.93694°N 1.01250°E |
| History | |
| Cultures | Magdalenian |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1953, |
| Archaeologists | Hallam L. Movius |
L'Abri Pataud, also known as the Pataud Shelter, is a very old prehistoric site. It is located in the village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil in Dordogne, Aquitaine, southwestern France. This special place holds clues about early humans who lived there.
Archaeologists have found human remains, stone tools, and other ancient items. These discoveries date back to the Upper Paleolithic period. This time was roughly between 47,000 and 17,000 years ago.
Discovering Abri Pataud's History
The site is like a layered cake of history. Each layer tells us about different groups of people who lived there. These layers show remains from the Upper Paleolithic period.
This includes times like the Aurignacian (47,000 to 27,000 years ago). It also includes the Gravettian (32,000 to 22,000 years ago). Lastly, there is the Solutrean period (22,000 to 17,000 years ago). Scientists have found human bones, tools, and even cave paintings here.
The French government recognized the site as an important historical place in 1930. More nearby shelters under the cliff were also protected in 1958. The site became part of the natural history museum in 1957. This happened because of Hallam L. Movius, an American archaeologist.
Movius started leading excavations in 1953. He continued his work with a museum team between 1958 and 1964. Their findings help us understand how stone tools changed over time. They also show how this site connects to other ancient places nearby.
The Venus of Abri Pataud
In 1958, a small carved female figure was found. It was on a stone about 20 centimeters (8 inches) tall. This figure is believed to be about 21,000 years old.
Hallam Movius described the figure as a young woman. He noted she was "more slender" than other similar carvings. She was roughly carved, but her shape hinted at pregnancy. Movius felt that despite some uneven parts, the figure looked "pleasing and symmetrical."
He also said that this figure was a great example of Upper Paleolithic art. It was similar to other famous ancient carvings known as "Venuses." The figure was found after a big storm. This made it hard to know its exact original spot within the shelter.
Visiting Abri Pataud
Since 1990, Abri Pataud has been open to visitors. A museum was created under the direction of Henry de Lumley. Brigitte Delluc also helped with this project. The museum allows people to see parts of the ongoing excavations.
See also
- Upper Paleolithic
- Hallam L. Movius
- Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
