Sculpted from reindeer antler, this horse head portrays movement and anatomical detail. Shown tossing its head back, with its ears pricked and eyes bulging, the animal has its mouth open as if neighing in alarm or terror. The features of the face, the forelock and long hair under the jaw are carefully emphasised by shading the sculpted form with small incisions.

Le Mas d’Azil cave, France.

Musée d’Archéologie Nationale, St Germain-en-Laye, Paris, France.

The most widely-spread and best-known Palaeolithic culture, which started around 17,000 years ago and ended around 11,000 years ago. Its name derives from the La Madeleine site in Dordogne, France. Some of the high points in cave art in all its forms - sculpture, black drawings, polychrome painting, modelling and engraving - are to be found in this period.

Source: Dr Jean Clottes

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