With AGLAE (Accelerateru Grand Louvre d'Analyse Elementaire), the Research Laboratory of the French Museums (LRMF) has a unique instrument in the world for the application of Ion Beam Analysis techniques to art and archaeology. At the same time AGLAE is the only analytical system based on an small accelerator dedicated to the characterisation of the artifacts of the cultural heritage. For the characterisation of the matter of the works of art and archaeological artefacts, the LRMF owns so the different tools and methods of the Materials science in order to understand the fabrication techniques, the ancient technologies and so better understand the way of life during the past. Examples taken from the Paleolithic period will illustrate the usefulness of the analysis of the artefacts not only for the rediscovery of the organisation of the ancient societies but also for optimising the conservation of the objects kept the museums.