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2026-01-19 09:04:44 • ID: 2399
New Arguments for a genuine Lincombian- Ranisian-Jerzmanovician (LRJ) from Kleinheppach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
Pictures 1 and 2 show a 6,7 cm long preform of a Jerzmanowice point (almost identical to Plate VIII, Fig. 4, in Chmielewski 1961) from Kleinheppach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. This item is discussed below.
Nietoperzowa Cave in Poland holds the richest European collection of Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) artifacts, characterized by distinctive partial leaf points / pointed blades used most probably as hunting weapon components, potentially for atlatl darts- see here: 2366 and 2376
Waldemar Chmielewski's excavations (1956–1962) fundamentally shaped the understanding of the EUP in Central Europe.
Chmielewski's primary impact on Paleolithic research and terminology was the 1961 definition of the Jerzmanowician Technocoplex, named after the village in Poland where the cave is located. He identified specialized blade points as the hallmark of this industry.
These points are now recognized as a key component of the broader Central and North/West European Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ), representing some of the earliest Upper Paleolithic-like technologies in the region.
Chmielewski established a detailed stratigraphic record that remains a reference point for current research. He described 21 separate geological layers, identifying eight as containing cultural material.
LRJ artifacts were found in layers 6 (fine debris/loam with charcoal from hearths), 5a (loam), and 4 (rock debris/loam). Modern radiocarbon re-dating of his findings place the occupation between 44 (layer 6) to 31 k.a. cal BP (layer4).
The integrity of the artefact bearing strata has been questioned, as overlapping dates suggest some post-depositional mixing between layers.
Paleogenetic biomarkers revealed that Homo Sapiens most probably made the LRJ artefacts at Ranis, which may hold true for Nietoperzowa, also.
It is very interesting that current hypotheses about the origin of the LRJ point to the Bohunician of Moravia as a possible starting point (Skrdla 2021).
As far as I know, reexcavations at Nietoperzowa Cave are ongoing, where Chmielewski's meticulously documented assemblages now provide the basis for ongoing "multi-proxy" studies involving pollen analysis, stable isotopes, and molecular biomarkers to reconstruct past environments.
Back to the artefact of my collection: Pictures 1 and 2 show a 6,7 cm long preform of a Jerzmanowice point from Kleinheppach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The artefact is a welcome addition to a classic LRJ Point, which I have already described in my blog-see here: here: 2366 and 2376
It fulfills all characteristics of these pointed blades and was found in the local loess during the 1930ies by an Amateur together with classic Aurignacian tools.
During the reduction process of thicker bipointed blades within the LRJ complex, there is a moment when the dorsal side of the blade is already covered by retouches while the ventral side has not been modified.
This stage of reduction is perfectly represented by the artefact of my Kleinheppach collection, which consists of a mix of KMG, Aurignacian, and LRJ Material.
My findings would make Kleinheppach the southernmost LRJ site in Central Europe. I believe that further investigations in the loess walls after 100 years of ignorance would definitely be worthwhile...
Surf the Blog and find Publications see here: 2366 and 2376
Resources and images in full resolution:
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- Image: 2026-01-19_IMG_8554.jpeg