The Venus of Willendorf is a 4.4-inches tall female figurine discovered in Austria. It was found in 1908 by archaeologist during excavations at a paleolithic site near Willendorf, a village in Lower Austria. The figurine is made of a kind of limestone that can not be found in the area and tinted with red ochre.
A study made in 1990 suggests that the figure was made between 24.000 and 22.000 BC. However, later researchers believed that figure have been made between 30,000 and 25,000 BC and is one of the oldest known works of art in the world. The figure has no visible face, her head being covered with circular horizontal bands of what might be rows of plaited hair, or perhaps a type of headdress. It has been suggested that statue is a fertility figure, a good-luck totem or a mother goddess symbol.
A study made in 1990 suggests that the figure was made between 24.000 and 22.000 BC. However, later researchers believed that figure have been made between 30,000 and 25,000 BC and is one of the oldest known works of art in the world. The figure has no visible face, her head being covered with circular horizontal bands of what might be rows of plaited hair, or perhaps a type of headdress. It has been suggested that statue is a fertility figure, a good-luck totem or a mother goddess symbol.
