Perforated baton

Incomplete perforated baton with low relief horse, from Abri de la Madeleine
Four views of another baton from Abri de la Madeleine, now in Toulouse
Baton with engraved wild horses from Abri de la Madeleine

In archaeology, a perforated baton, bâton de commandement or bâton percé is a type of artefact from prehistoric Europe made from antler, which probably served many functions such as being used as a spear-thrower, in rope-making, and ceremonial and other uses.

The name bâtons de commandement ("batons of command") was the name first applied to the class of artefacts, but it makes an assumption of function, as a ceremonial object or insignia held by leaders. The name bâton percé, meaning "pierced rod", or "perforated baton" (the term used by the British Museum) is a more recent term, and is descriptive of form rather than any presumed function.[1]

Many are decorated with carved or engraved animals, and recently the most usual explanation of their use is that they were used for straightening spears and arrows, and as spear-throwers. Originally they were thought by many to be a symbolic attribute of authority.

  1. ^ Shaw & Jameson 2008, p. 110.