A new cast of a Solutrean Laurel Leaf biface from the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. Archaeologists consider the Solutrean Periodb(around 18 to 22,000 years ago) to be an advancement of stone tool work, and the Laurel shaped biface is the pinnacle of skill. This point was loaned from the Randy Best collection to the Smithsonian Institution for reference and casting in 2012. During examination there the carbonates attached to the point(shown in second picture) were tested to see if they came from a coastal enviroment. The results showed that it came from one of the inland sites, but it has not been determined where.  This biface was originally made from a dark blue to black flint, such as those found in the Dordogne valley in France. The surface now has a white patination covering most of the biface, although traces of the original flint color can still be seen throughout.  It is 4 and 3/4th inches long, and very thin, showing great control and skill of the classic Solutrean knapping reduction strategy.