The recognition of a new type of bone tools in Early Aurignacian assemblages: implications for understanding the appearance of osseous technology in Europe

► Describes a new type of Aurignacian bone tools: unworked intermediate tools. ► These tools are food processing by-products used directly as wedges for woodworking. ► Expedient bone tools are very numerous in the Aurignacian osseous industry. ► This suggests a gradual technological shift between the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. ► Osseous technology could be part of a transfer of techniques from wood working.