The Venus of Willendorf is a Paleolithic figurine discovered in 1908 at a Paleolithic site near Willendorf, Austria, dated to around 28,000–25,000 BCE. It is one of the most famous examples of prehistoric art and is often referred to as the symbol of prehistoric female fertility.
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Key features of the Venus of Willendorf That was found
Below is info on the idol not the silver charm
- The figure is characterized by exaggerated features, emphasizing the breasts, abdomen, and hips.
- The head is disproportionately small, and facial features are minimal or absent.
- The arms are carved resting on the rounded breasts, and there are no legs below the waist.
- The Venus of Willendorf is often interpreted as a symbol of fertility, given the emphasis on the female reproductive features.
- Some theories suggest that it might have served a religious or ritualistic purpose related to fertility, childbirth, or the nurturing aspects of femininity.
- The exact purpose and meaning of the Venus of Willendorf remain speculative due to the lack of contextual information from its discovery.
- It could have held cultural or religious significance, representing ideals of beauty, fertility, or maternal power in the Paleolithic society.
- The figurine reflects the artistic style of the Upper Paleolithic period, which often featured small, portable sculptures with exaggerated or stylized features.
Despite its small size, the Venus of Willendorf has become an iconic symbol of prehistoric art and has sparked discussions about the representation of women in ancient cultures. The absence of facial features and the focus on fertility suggest a symbolic rather than a naturalistic representation of the female form.