Prehistoric Works

Woman/Venus of Willendorf:

One of the earliest images of the body made by humankind. It stands just over 4 ½ inches high and was carved some 25,000 years ago. It was discovered on the banks of the Danube River, in Austria, and it was most likely made by hunter-gatherers who lived in the area.

• Symbol of fertility and survival, it emphasizes reproductive features.

Hall of Bulls

Lascaux Caves,15,000-13,000 BCE. Rock Painting

• Early example of narrative art; likely ritual use to ensure hunting success or depict myths.

Wounded bison attacking a man

Lascaux Caves,15,000-13,000 BCE.

Rare human-animal interaction; may reflect myth, shamanic vision,

Stonehenge

Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England. c.3000-1500 BCE

• Monumental ritual site aligned with solstices; reflects advanced planning, social organization, and early astronomy.

Female Figure, Tlatilco

Central Mexico, site of Tlatilco, 1200-900 BCE

• Emphasizes fertility and duality; reflects ritual and symbolic concerns of early village cultures