Prehistoric and Ancient Female Figures



Paleolithic


Venus of Willendorf

Known as the "Venus of Willendorf, this figurine was created about 23,000 BC (ie during the Paleolithic period). These images are reproduced from the article "Venus of Willendorf," by Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe, which is available here.


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Neolithic

Figure from Catalhoyuk


"Mother Goddess" figure (c. 7000BC) found in a grain bin at the Neolithic town of Catalhoyuk. Photograph by Andrys Basten, available at his website.

For more information about Catal Hoyuk and this figure, see "Mysteries of Catalhoyuk!" here.




Ancient

Minoan Snake Goddess and Her Attendant

Figures from Crete, 1600 BC. The one of the right is widely known as the Minoan Snake Goddess. They were discovered in fragments; experts later added arms and many other parts of the figure, based on their knowledge of similar figures.

These images are reproduced from the article "Minoan Snake Goddess," by Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe, which is available here.




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