Key points

Venus figurines with exaggerated sexual characteristics first began to appear over 40,000 years ago.

The earliest known human figurine, the Venus of Hohle Fels, dates back to about 41,000 years ago.

The Venus of Hohle Fels was made of mammoth ivory and was likely worn as an amulet.

Co-authored with Journay Clinch, MA candidate

Psychology Department, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Scattered across the archeological sites of the Eurasian continent, hundreds of female-shaped statues have resurfaced, dating back to more than 40,000 years ago. Colloquially known as “Venus” statues, the figurines typically possess exaggerated breasts, hips, and stomachs (see Venus of Willendorf, circa 41,000 years ago at Google Images). The recurrence of these female sculptures denot

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