Rondelles from the Stone Age

Discs or rondelles from the stone age - There are many examples of discs with central holes from various (mostly Magdalenian) sites in Europe. The most famous are those made of bone or ivory which bear carvings of various kinds, and are art objects in their own right. Various theories have been put forward as to their use, including clothing decoration and large buttons. These are unlikely primary uses, since all have just one, central hole. If they were meant to be sewn to clothing they would have two or more holes to facilitate attachment, or would have the hole close to one edge if they were meant to be worn as a pendant. As my colleague…