8. The most beautiful artifact in the world

One of the many faces. Click on picture to magnify.

Size: ~14cm

Material: Petrified organism

Restored: Yes (was completely covered by gangue - 2 years of work were needed).

Provenance: Mojave Desert (California part), USA

Estimated period: Upper Paleolithic (certainly older)

Information: This artifact is a real masterpiece, and it's what's I call "Art". All sides of the piece are carved, and all the carvings make a full story, coming directly from the Paleolithic (certainly older)! Here is the short version (there is many others images on the piece, not described here) :

The storyboard. Click on picture to magnify.

1. There is a man who has a pet.

2. The pet rides on top of the man's head everywhere he goes.
3. A hungry monster sneaks up on them...
4. ...and eats the man's pet.

5. The man grabs the monster by the head.

6. He forces the monster to open his mouth.
7. He forces the monster's head down on a sharp rock.

8. He cuts the monster's face off...

9. ... and pulls his pet out of the monster.

10. The man try to put his pet on his head again, but his pet is dead...

11. The Great Spirit came, got his pet, and flew away to heaven.

12. When the man dies, he sees his pet again in heaven..