Willendorf Venus

The Willendorf Venus is a small prehistoric sculpture from around 28,000–25,000 BCE, representing a female figure. Made from limestone and covered with red ochre, it is about 4 inches tall. Its exaggerated features—large breasts, wide hips, and rounded abdomen—likely symbolize fertility, health, or abundance. The face details are minimal, emphasizing body aspects associated with reproduction. As one of the earliest known depictions of the human form, the sculpture offers insight into early societies’ focus on fertility and survival, serving possibly as a talisman or ritual object. Its size and craftsmanship suggest it was portable and meaningful to its creators.