Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Polissoir des Griffes du Diable is a listed monument located in the region Centre-Val de Loire, specifically in the department of Eure-et-Loir (28), near the commune of Courtalain. This site, dated from Neolithic, is a rare vestige of polishing techniques used by prehistoric societies to shape stone tools. Its inscription as a Historic Monument in 1987 underlines its heritage and archaeological importance.

The location of the polisher, although documented in the Merimée database with an address to Courtalain (28290), remains approximate, as indicated by the location accuracy noted 5/10. The site is now owned by a private company, which may limit its accessibility to the public. Available data from Monumentum and the internal archives confirm its protected status and its role in the study of Neolithic artisanal practices.

Polishers, such as the Devil's Claws, were essential collective tools for neolithic communities. They were used to sharpen and polish axes, herminettes or other stone objects, reflecting a social organization based on cooperation and the transmission of know-how. These sites were often located near streams or areas of passage, facilitating their use by several groups.

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