The plaques were made of limestone and excavated from a rock shelter in Montastruc, France, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They feature different animals – mostly horses, reindeer, deer and bison, but also wolves and ibex.
The researchers identified patterns of pink heat damage at the edges of some of the stones, providing evidence that they were placed close to a fire.
To understand exactly why, the researchers conducted their own experiments in a makeshift prehistoric camp and used virtual reality software. They recreated the engraved boards as they would have been originally – with clear white lines – and placed them around a fire.
They said the heat damage suggests they were placed near fireplaces to appear to move and flicker in the firelight. The interaction between the engraved stone and the errant light of the fire made the shapes appear dynamic and alive, the study said.
“We conducted this experiment at night as well. So we had the full effect – the flickering light from the fire – it was quite an exciting experience, I think seeing these etched shapes come to life a little bit before our eyes,” said Izzy Wisher, a PhD student in the department of archeology at the University of Durham. and co-author of the study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday.
“And also seeing that the heating patterns produced by this activity matched more closely with the Montastruc examples – that was also very exciting.”
Engraved plaques may also have a practical purpose – the stones may have marked the outline of the fireplace. But the researchers said their study indicated they weren’t just functional, plus the same function could have been achieved by limestone that wasn’t etched.
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