Venus willendorf statue

The Venus of Willendorf is a 30,000-year-old prehistoric figurine, a symbol of fertility and one of the most famous artifacts of the Upper Paleolithic.

About this subject

The Venus of Willendorf, also known as the Woman of Willendorf, is a small limestone figurine measuring about 11.1 cm in height, dating back to approximately 28,000 to 25,000 BCE. It was discovered on August 7, 1908, by archaeologist Josef Szombathy at a Paleolithic site near Willendorf, Austria. The figure depicts a woman with large breasts, a prominent belly, wide hips, and exaggerated genital features, while the face is covered by what appears to be a headdress or braided hair. The arms are thin and rest on the breasts, and the legs are short with no detailed feet. The lack of facial features and the emphasis on sexual characteristics suggest the figurine served as a fertility symbol or a mother goddess cult object, common in many prehistoric cultures. Originally, the statuette was painted with red ochre, indicating ritual significance. It is now housed at the Natural History Museum in Vienna. The Venus of Willendorf is one of the oldest known human representations and remains a key artifact for understanding Upper Paleolithic art and spirituality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Venus of Willendorf?

The Venus of Willendorf is about 30,000 years old, dating to the Upper Paleolithic period, between 28,000 and 25,000 BCE.

Where was the Venus of Willendorf found?

It was discovered in 1908 at an archaeological site near Willendorf, Austria, along the Danube River.

What is the meaning of the Venus of Willendorf?

It is believed to have been a fertility symbol or a mother goddess cult object, due to the emphasis on sexual characteristics and the lack of facial features.