Is It Also a Map? A Possible Upper Paleolithic Engraving from a Surface Site near Mainz, Germany

<p>A limestone pebble from a surface site in the Mainz Basin seems to display a pair of engraved signs as well as two animal representations which consist of both engraved and natural features. All four of these images have Upper Paleolithic parallels, as does the procedure used to create the likenesses of the animals. It is well established that during the Upper Paleolithic evocative features occurring naturally on stone supports were purposely incorporated into works of art. Also of interest is the fact that the pebble has been discolored and perhaps partially damaged by exposure to heat. Heat exposure is an additional phenomenon associated with portable stone engravings of Upper Paleolithic origin. Intriguingly, some of the pebble's features may double as illustrations of local landmarks.