Solutrean industry

Solutrean industry

Short-lived stone-tool industry that flourished 17,000–21,000 years ago in southwestern France (e.g., at La Solutré and Laugerie-Haute) and in nearby areas. The industry is of special interest because of its particularly fine workmanship. In addition to burins (chisel-like tools), scrapers, and borers, the Solutrean industry exhibits blades formed in the shape of laurel or willow leaves and various shouldered points. Some implements are so fine as to be useless as tools and may instead have been luxury items.