SOLUTREAN Meaning and
Definition
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Solutrean refers to a prehistoric culture that existed during the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically between 22,000 and 17,000 years ago. The term Solutrean is derived from the archaeological site of Solutré-Pouilly in France, where the distinctive tools and artifacts associated with this culture were first discovered and studied.
The Solutrean culture is often characterized by the production of finely crafted stone tools, known as laurel-leaf points or Solutrean points. These tools were meticulously crafted using a technique known as pressure flaking, which involved applying pressure to the stone to create sharp edges and pointed tips. The Solutreans were highly skilled hunters and used these tools, along with others like scrapers and burins, for various purposes, including hunting, butchering animals, and preparing hides.
One key feature of the Solutrean culture is their ability and desire to exploit marine resources. They were skilled seafarers, using boats and watercraft to explore and harvest resources from the seas and lakes. This maritime adaptation allowed them to access and utilize a wide range of resources, facilitating their survival in diverse environments.
The Solutrean culture is primarily associated with regions in western Europe, such as France, Spain, and Portugal. However, evidence of Solutrean influences has also been discovered in other parts of Europe and even as far as North America, suggesting long-distance migration or contact.
The Solutrean culture represents an important stage in human cultural and technological development during the Paleolithic era and provides valuable insights into how early human populations interacted with their environment and adapted to various ecological settings.
Common Misspellings for SOLUTREAN
- aolutrean
- zolutrean
- xolutrean
- dolutrean
- eolutrean
- wolutrean
- silutrean
- sklutrean
- sllutrean
- splutrean
- s0lutrean
- s9lutrean
- sokutrean
- soputrean
- sooutrean
- solytrean
- solhtrean
- soljtrean
- solitrean
- sol8trean
Etymology of SOLUTREAN
The word "Solutrean" is derived from the Solutré, a famous archaeological site located in the eastern part of France. The term was first used by French archaeologists and researchers to describe a specific Paleolithic culture associated with this site.
The Solutré site gained prominence during the 19th century due to the discovery of numerous tools and artifacts from the Upper Paleolithic period. These artifacts and the culture associated with them were characterized by distinctive stone tools such as finely crafted points made from flint or other materials.
Over time, the term "Solutrean" began to be used more widely to refer to this specific Paleolithic culture found not just at the Solutré site, but also across various parts of Western Europe. The name Solutré itself comes from the nearby town named Solutré-Pouilly, and further etymology beyond this may be limited.
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