Adorant plaque: 88 notches may represent astronomical timekeeping. Small rectangular mammoth ivory plaque measuring 38mm x 14mm x 4.5mm Has 39 notches on edges in groups of 6, 13, 7, and 13 Has 49 notches on reverse side in four vertical lines
This tiny mammoth ivory plaque from Adorant from the Geißenklösterle cave has 39 notches on the edges in groups of 6, 13, 7, and 13. Reverse side has 49 notches in four vertical lines (13, 10, 12, 13). Combined total of 88 notches equals three lunar cycles (~88.5 days). Could depict Orion constellation. Dated 35,000-32,000 years old. Europe's oldest astronomical calendar? 🌙⭐
Key Facts
- Small rectangular mammoth ivory plaque measuring 38mm x 14mm x 4.5mm
- Has 39 notches on edges in groups of 6, 13, 7, and 13
- Has 49 notches on reverse side in four vertical lines
- Total of 88 notches equals three lunar cycles (88.5 days)
- Possibly represents Orion constellation on the carved side
- Found at Adorant from the Geißenklösterle cave in Swabian Jura, Germany
- Dated to between 32,000 and 35,000 years ago
Related site: Adorant from the Geißenklösterle cave — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: NEW | 40,000-Year-Old "Proto-Writing" Discovered on Ice Age Artefacts by Ancient Architects