Projectile point · Upper Palaeolithic
Aurignacian split-based point
40000–30000 BCE, Aurignacian
The Aurignacian split-based point is an antler projectile tip with a split base for hafting, made by the earliest modern humans in Europe about 40,000 to 30,000 years ago. It is the type fossil of the early Aurignacian and is found from Spain to Russia. Nearly all are in museums from excavated rock shelters.
| Object | Projectile point |
|---|---|
| Dates | 40000–30000 BCE |
| Period | Upper Palaeolithic |
| Cultures | Aurignacian |
| Regions | Europe — Western & Central |
Diagnostic traits
Antler point with a lozenge section and a split base for hafting; a marker of the early Aurignacian.
Identification
The split base and lozenge section distinguish it from later lozenge-shaped Aurignacian points with a solid base and from Gravettian and Magdalenian points, which have bevelled bases or barbs. Antler, not bone, is the material. Length is typically 6 to 12 cm.
Reproductions and fakes
Rarely on the market; any privately offered example should be assumed modern or misattributed. Genuine pieces show ancient breaks and a patina in the split.
Cite this article
Stratum Strata. "Aurignacian split-based point" (Artifact type). Stratum Strata pack 2026.09, as of 2026-09-21. https://stratum.black/strata/types/aurignacian-split-based-point. Accessed 2026-09-21.
@misc{stratum-aurignacian-split-based-point,
title = {Aurignacian split-based point},
author = {{Stratum Strata}},
howpublished = {\url{https://stratum.black/strata/types/aurignacian-split-based-point}},
year = {2026},
note = {Artifact type article, Stratum Strata pack 2026.09, as of 2026-09-21; sources: stratum. Accessed 2026-09-21.}
} Citations carry the pack version and the article's as-of date so they resolve to the same text later. The facts themselves belong to the sources listed below; cite those for the science.