Entity: VENUS-FIGURINES
Venus figurines are small, stylized female statuettes dating back to the Paleolithic era, known for their exaggerated feminine features and symbolic significance.
Venus Figurines
Etymology
The term 'Venus figurines' is derived from the Roman goddess of love, Venus.
Definition
Venus figurines are small, stylized female statuettes that were created during the Paleolithic era, primarily between 30,000 and 10,000 years ago. These figurines are known for their exaggerated feminine features and are believed to have had symbolic or ritual significance.
Historical Context
More than 200 Venus figurines have been found at Upper Paleolithic sites across Europe and some parts of Asia. They are typically carved in the round and are thought to have been created between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Cultural Significance
The Venus figurines have sparked debates among archaeologists and historians regarding their purpose. Some believe they were fertility symbols or representations of a mother goddess cult, while others suggest they may have had ritualistic or symbolic meanings.
Related Concepts
Venus figurines are often associated with fertility fetishes and the worship of female deities in ancient cultures. They are also linked to the concept of prehistoric art and the representation of the female form in early societies.
See Also
Venus figurines refer to small statuettes of voluptuous female figures primarily found at Upper Paleolithic sites across Europe and Asia, believed to have had ritual or symbolic importance.