There is a variety of Paleolithic tools that are usually called borers and which were indeed used as rotary Drills (http://www.aggsbach.de/2010/12/bohrer-drill-from-the-mesolithic-of-demark/). Artifacts with a suggested drilling function are known already from the early Paleolithic (Bilzingsleben, La Micoque). Drills were never very abundant during the old Stone age and usually comprise less than 10% of all tools at a specific site. Elaborated drills during the upper Paleolithic are known from the Gravettian and Solutrian (Roc de Sers). Bohrers became even more differentiated as a tool class during the Magdalenian. After 18 k.a. BP we observe micropercoirs, becs, “Zinken” and “Langbohrer”. The latter artifact is usually made on elegant long blades, which end with a long axially oriented drill bit, generated by (semi)-abrupt retouching and characterized by more or less symmetrical shoulders.
“Langbohrer” are especially abundant in central Germany (Nebra, sites in the Saale region) in S/W Germany and the northern Switzerland (Petersfels, Schweitzersbild) and at some sites in the Paris basin (especially Marsangy). They certainly have a activity specific aspect ( working with organic materials) and usually co- occurred with other forms of drills (micropercoirs and becs which are an invariable part of most inventories and “Zinken” [http://www.aggsbach.de/2012/06/the-hamburgian-culture-some-aspects/]).
Suggested Reading:
For the German speaking community I strongly recommend a book just published by the Kerns Verlag: “Steinartefarkte” http://www.kernsverlag.com/steinartefakte.html
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