Abri Blanchard Moon Bone Shows Lunar Phases. Artifact is a bone from Abri Blanchard shelter in France Age: over 30,000 years old Shows two figures with general outline similar to moon phases
This antler plaque from Abri Blanchard in France is from the early Upper Paleolithic, dated to ca. 35,000–28,000 years ago. Alexander Marshack analyzed it and suggested it shows lunar phase notations—evidence of early lunar observation. The artifact depicts geometric patterns and notched edges providing a coordinate system, and is one of the earliest examples of symbolic notation in the European Paleolithic record. It was found near Abri Lartet shelter.
Key Facts
- Artifact is a bone from Abri Blanchard shelter in France
- Age: over 30,000 years old
- Shows two figures with general outline similar to moon phases
- Some lunar phases missing from the depiction
- Located feet from Abri Lartet shelter
- Alexander Marshack analyzed this artifact for NASA in 1972
Related site: Abri Blanchard — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Ancient Astronomy Deciphered Aurignacian Sky Birth Control by DeDunking