The Magdalenian cultures are later cultures of the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic in western Europe. They date from around 17,000 to 12,000 years ago. It is named after the type site of La Madeleine, a rock shelter located in the Vézère valley, commune of Tursac, in France's Dordogne department.
Magdalenian cave painting
Antler carving, France, 15,000 BC
Lascaux cave painting
Lascaux cave painting
The archaeological site Abri de la Madeleine is a rock shelter under an overhanging cliff situated near Tursac, in the Dordogne département of the Aquitaine région of southwestern France. It represents the type site of the Magdalenian culture of the Upper Paleolithic. The shelter was also occupied during the Middle Ages. The medieval castle of Petit Marsac stands on the top of the cliff just above the shelter.
La Madeleine rock shelter
Perforated baton with low relief horse, from the Abri de la Madeleine, British Museum
Image: F07 0015.Ma
Image: F07 0020.Ma