Raiders of the Lost Past with Janina Ramirez - 1.2 The Lion Man (BBC)

End of an Era in Archaeology

• Summer of 1939 marks the end of a golden age of exploration and archaeology.

• Adventurers sought clues to ancient human history.

• Three significant archaeological discoveries made during this time.

The Discoveries

• These treasures changed our understanding of human culture origins and diversity.

• Featured discoveries include the oldest datable artwork in the Americas.

Remarkable Archaeologists

• Focus on a diverse group of archaeologists:

  • Self-taught American under pressure to find treasure.

  • Charismatic adventurers uncovering early American sculptures.

  • Academic with a dark political agenda.

• Each represents distinct stories and perspectives in archaeology.

Ice Age Treasure in Germany

• Discovery of a half-human, half-animal figure in Southern Germany caves just before WWII.

• Marks the beginnings of art and religion in human history.

Discovery Context

• Date: August 25, 1939, in a cave in Southern Germany.

• Excavation led by Robert Vetzel, who reported findings to Nazi Germany's archaeology unit.

• The find included mammoth ivory shaped by human hands, but was largely forgotten due to the onset of war.

Significance of The Lion Man

• Represents a revolutionary moment in the human narrative.

• Carved from mammoth ivory, it's the oldest known representational art piece and signifies culture and belief development.

• Its reconstruction history involves numerous chance discoveries.

Robert Vetzel's Role

• A pioneer archaeologist linked to Nazi ideology.

• After WWII, he ignored the important find of The Lion Man fragments, which remained unexamined.

Early Human Migration

• Around 60,000 years ago, Homo sapiens began exploring post-glacial Europe.

• The caves in Southern Germany were vital for shelter and artifacts.

• Important Ice Age artwork found with evidence of human and Ice Age animal coexistence.

Gustaf Reik's Contributions

• Competitor of Vetzel and key figure in early Ice Age discoveries.

• In 1931, discovered significant works, including the first depictions of horses in human history at Vogelherd cave.

• His works showcased advanced artistry that shifted perceptions of early human creativity.

Nazi Influence on Archaeology

• The rise of Nazi ideology affected archaeological pursuits.

• Heinrich Himmler founded the Ahnenerbe to study ancient texts and archaeological findings to support Aryan supremacy claims.

• Archaeologists like Vetzel and Reik competed for Ahnenerbe funding.

Excavation Techniques

• Vetzel's systematic approach to excavations was well ahead of his time, contrasting with Reik's hastier methods.

• Vetzel’s contributions documented well through his diaries and detailed diagrams.

Rediscovery of The Lion Man

• In 1969, archaeologist Jürgen Hanan discovered the ivory fragments from Vetzel’s earlier excavation.

• Fragments revealed the figure of The Lion Man and generated public interest.

Additional Discoveries

• Museum curator Kurt Verberg speaks on further finds related to The Lion Man.

• New fragments discovered by a child playing in the cave enhance understanding of the figure.

Significance of The Lion Man Sculpture

• A notable example of zoo-anthropomorphism - blending human and animal figures.

• Requires high technical skills to create, indicating a sophisticated understanding of materials.

• The artistry suggests a sharing of collective beliefs within human groups.

Sound and Music in Prehistoric Art

• Evidence suggests that art and music emerged together in these caves.

• Artists began to explore and express ideas beyond their physical existence towards a more abstract and spiritual understanding.

Role of Shamanism

• The Lion Man is speculated to have been used in shamanistic contexts for transformation or ritualistic purposes.

• Connections to modern shamanistic practices observed in Northern Europe's indigenous Sami people.

Human Form Representation

• Recent finds reveal older figurative expressions predating The Lion Man.

• Discovery of Hohlenfels woman sculpture from 40,000 years ago exemplifies early representations of the human form.

Ongoing Archaeological Work

• Continued excavations in the Swabian Jura by Nicholas Conard aiming to uncover more Ice Age artifacts.

• The rich history led by efforts since the 1860s remains a target for future exploration.

Mysteries Relating to Robert Vetzel

• New evidence indicates Vetzel was aware of the significance of The Lion Man upon its discovery.

• Contradictory actions in determining why he did not pursue further excavation at the find site.

Conclusion

• The Lion Man's discovery contributes significantly to our understanding of the origins of modern human creativity.

• Ongoing research may eventually uncover deeper connections to our prehistoric ancestors.