The letters column of American Archaeology (fall 2015, not (yet) online) includes a mention of a bone fragment on which is a depiction of a mammoth. This picture is from NPR:
ScienceDirect published the abstract of the study of this bone fragment back in 2011:
Rare earth element analysis was consistent with the fossil bone being ancient and originating at or near the Old Vero site (8-IR-9). Forensic analysis suggests the markings on the bone are not recent. Optical microscopy results show no discontinuity in coloration between the carved grooves and the surrounding material indicating that both surfaces aged simultaneously. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the edges of the inscription are worn and show no signs of being incised recently or that the grooves were made with metal tools. In addition, the backscattered SEM images suggest there is no discontinuity in the distribution of light and heavy elements between the scribed region and the surrounding bone indicating that both surfaces aged in the same environment.
To which I can only say, a pity the Crayon coloring didn’t survive those 13,000 years.
