How great are prehistoric artists? About 14,000 years ago, a Neolithic artist in La Madeleine, France, carved this profile of a bison on a piece of reindeer antler measuring just 4 inches (10 cm) wide. The small size and irregular shape presented a challenge. It most likely led him to portray the bison with its head turned 180 degrees to allow him to squeeze as much details as possible into the tiny space. The result is this masterpiece – a full-body bison licking its side. The amount of detail in this little carving is amazing. You can see the bison’s magnificent hairy mane. Also clearly visible are its tongue, teeth, eyes and nose. all incised with great precision. It’s not clear what this carving was made for. It may have been part of a spear thrower, or simply a standalone work of art, art made for art’s sake – 14,000 years ago.