The latest advances in the osseous mobiliary art from the prehistory

Abstract : The integration of new approaches in prehistory and the use of new equipment in optical imaging opens up a new appreciation of decorated bone tools dating from prehistory. What is commonly referred to as portable art is actually made up of bone artefacts of different natures: utilitarian objects, tools invested with a symbolism to “better” function and also tools carrying a commonly shared symbolism. A case study from a French archaeological series (Montières, Amiens, France) will be presented and discussed for the hidden symbolism in decorated antler adzes : the oldest known tomahawks?