Period of main occupation Paléolithique supérieur (Magdalénien) (≈ 1505000 av. J.-C.)
Stratigraphic levels dated from this time.
1865
First excavations
First excavations 1865 (≈ 1865)
Early explorations by Victor Brun.
1936-1960
Systematic search
Systematic search 1936-1960 (≈ 1948)
Campaigns led by Paul Darasse.
1970
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 1970 (≈ 1970)
Official protection of the site and its terrace.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Shelter under rock and its terrace going, on a frontal width of 60 meters, from the cliff to C.D. 115 (Cd. E 70, 119): classification by decree of 4 November 1970
Key figures
Victor Brun - Archaeologist
First searcher of the site in 1865.
Paul Darasse - Archaeologist
Directed the excavations from 1936 to 1960.
Origin and history
Fontalès is a rock shelter and a prehistoric site of the Upper Magdalenian, located in the commune of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne. This deposit, classified as a historic monument in 1970, produced a rich stratigraphy revealing several levels of human occupation. The excavations revealed exceptional archaeological material, including 12,000 flint blades, 200 reindeer wood harpoons, as well as furniture art objects such as a horse engraved on a scoop and schematized female figures.
The site's first exploration dates back to 1865, led by Victor Brun, followed by systematic excavations between 1936 and 1960 by Paul Darasse. This research documented an intense occupation during the Upper Paleolithic period, illustrating the technical and artistic skills of Magdalenian hunter-gatherers. The site thus bears witness to the daily life and symbolic practices of these prehistoric populations.
The protection of the site in 1970 underlines its heritage importance, both for the understanding of lithic and bone technologies and for the study of prehistoric art. The objects discovered, such as the 250 chas needles or the 16 pierced sticks, reveal an advanced mastery of tools and materials, while the works of art offer an overview of the symbolic representations of the time.
Bibliographical references, including the work of Lorblanchet and Welté (1987) on female figurations, or those of Taborin and Thiébault (1988) in the Dictionary of Prehistory, confirm the scientific value of the site. It is part of a wider network of Magdalenian deposits in Quercy, contributing to a better knowledge of prehistoric societies in southwestern France.
The Fontalès shelter, with its 60-metre front terrace, is a remarkable example of rock habitat, typical of paleolithic occupations in karst environments. His study continues to shed light on the livelihoods, movements and cultural exchanges of human groups during this pivotal period of Prehistory.
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