Archaeologists recognize the Early Upper Paleolithic period as the beginning of the first modern humans in Europe. The Aurignacian stone tool industry initiated a more advanced culture than ever before. The most durable and physical evidence they left behind are the stone tools. They refined their core and blade lithic technology to the highest skill level that could be attained. The Aurignacian is also recognized for its intensive use of worked antler and bone. Some of the earliest ivory carvings of animals and human figures begin to appear at this time. There is also widespread evidence of long distance trade of raw materials such as fossils, shells, ivory and stone. These materials were used to make jewelry and other pieces of art. Even musical instruments are being made during this time. Whistles and flutes have been found on Early Upper Paleolithic sites in Europe.

   The Aurignacian stone tool industry invented the most efficient way to remove long narrow flakes from a piece of stone. The previous Middle Paleolithic Mousterian stone tool industry produced more waste flakes during the production of flake tools. Aurignacian technology invented a more thrifty and efficient flake removal system. One important advantage of this technology was that it allowed these hunter-gatherer people to carry less material & weight.

    It's generally believed by archaeologists that most Upper Paleolithic blades were removed by indirect percussion flaking. This technique allows for a more precise placement of the flaking tool when the hammer strikes off a blade. This process is similar to the use of today's hammer and chisel.

   The most common blade tools made during the European Upper Paleolithic were burins, end scrapers and backed blades or knives. A burin as defined in the dictionary is basically an instrument or tool for engraving metal or stone. Several different types of burins are represented within the Aurignacian stone tool industry. The definition of each type depends on what angle and how many burin flake removals (edge removals) were used to shape the end of a single blade. They all have a sturdy chisel-like edge that could be used to cut or engrave materials like bone, ivory or wood.

"REFERENCES"

1970, "Tools of the Old Stone Age," by Jacques Bordaz.
1973, "The Old Stone Age," by Francois Bordes.
1988, "Encyclopedia of Human Evolution & Prehistory," by Ian Tattersall, Eric Delson & John Van Couvering.
1991, "The Roots of Civilization," by Alexander Marshack.
1993, "Handbook of Paleolithic Typology, Vol. I," by Andre Debenath and Harold L. Dibble.
1993, "Making Silent Stones Speak," by Kathy D. Schick and Nicholas Toth.

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