What do we know about this figure?

The mysterious work is considered to be the oldest known horse sculpture made by an anatomically modern human (Homo sapiens).

The work is approximately the size of a child’s palm. 2.5 centimeters high and 4.8 centimeters long. It includes details such as a sculpted mouth, nostrils, eyes and mane. Although his head remained intact after all these years, all four of his legs, if any, were broken. Archaeologists believe that the statue depicts a stallion.

The figurine was found in the Vogelherd cave in southern Germany. happened A meeting place for representatives of Aurignacian cultureAn Upper Paleolithic group that lived between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago in much of present-day Europe, but most importantly in present-day France. Archaeologists believe the two groups likely coexisted because their existence briefly overlapped with the last Neanderthals (about 3,000 years ago).

Aurignacians were known as skilled hunter-gatherers, as evidenced by their ability to make knives and pointed stone tools. Hundreds of similar objects were found in the cave, as well as numerous animal bones and ivory items, including beads painted with red ocher.

It is likely that the group will use this area for meat processing. For example, researchers analyzing approximately 32,000-year-old bones of animals in Vogelherd Cave found mainly the remains of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and horses (Equus ferus); This is the Aurignacian groups They hunted and ate these animals and also created works of art with their images.

Analysis shows that this horse figure 32,000-35,000 years. It is unknown for what purpose it was built. This could be a toy, an ornament, or a ritual object.