Period of activity of the site Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Production of blades for polished axes.
29 mars 1993
Site discovery
Site discovery 29 mars 1993 (≈ 1993)
Prospects by Pierre Pétrequin (CNRS).
17 mars 2022
Site protection
Site protection 17 mars 2022 (≈ 2022)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The heart of the site of the Neolithic quarry of polished blades (35 x 60 meters), in full, located at the place called Finsterbach, on Parcel No. 48, shown in the cadastre section 25, all in accordance with the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 17 March 2022
Key figures
Pierre Pétrequin - Researcher at CNRS
Discoverer of the site in 1993.
Origin and history
The Neolithic Quarry of Polished Blades of Finsterbach, located in Saint-Amarin, is a major archaeological site discovered in 1993. Located in a wooded sector at 775 meters above sea level, it consists of several waste extraction and accumulation areas, revealing intensive production of large thick blades. These blades, intended to be transformed into polished axes and herminettes, were likely moved to nearby habitats for finalization.
The site was identified on 29 March 1993 during a walk-through by Pierre Pétrequin, a researcher at the CNRS, as part of the collective project From Rock to Polish Axe (1990-1994). The aim of this project was to study the operational chains for the production of Neolithic polished tools. The quarry, located on cadastral plot No.48, was partially protected by a registration order in 2022, covering a central area of 35 x 60 meters.
Saint-Amarin, in the Upper Rhine, was in the Neolithic era an area marked by the exploitation of local resources, as evidenced by this specialized site. The communities of this period developed advanced stone-cutting techniques, essential for the production of agricultural and domestic tools. The discovery of Finsterbach illustrates the spatial and technical organisation of production workshops, as well as their integration into a regional exchange network.
The heart of the site, owned by the commune, has been preserved for its scientific and heritage interest. Although its exact location is considered fair (note 5/10), it remains a rare testimony of Neolithic mining and artisanal activities in Alsace. On-site research contributed to a better understanding of the methods of production and diffusion of polished axes during this period.
