Upper Palaeolithic Collection

Venus of Willendorf, Stone Age figurine, rear view. Discovered in 1908 near Willendorf, Austria, this 11-centimetre-tall limestone figurine dates from around 23, 000 years ago

Venus of Brassempouy
The Venus of Brassempouy carved out of ivory some 18, 000 years ago and discovered in Brassempouy, France. Believed to have been carved during the last stage of the Upper Palaeolithic age

Stone Age carving, Magdalenian culture C014 / 2411
Stone Age carving, Magdalenian culture. This object, carved from reindeer antler, shows a bison turning its head, possibly to lick an insect bite

Venus figurine of Kostenki, ca 25.000 BC. Creator: Prehistoric art
Venus figurine of Kostenki, ca 25.000 BC. Found in the collection of the State Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Cave painting of a bison from the Altamira cave, Spain, 1933-1934. Print from Wonders of the Past, volume III, 1933-1934

Stone Age (Magdalenian) bullroarer. This device, here covered in carved lines, was swung through the air to make a roaring sound, and was thought to have been used in fertility rites

Venus of Brassempouy, Stone Age figurine. This 3.65-centimetre-tall prehistoric figurine fragment was excavated in 1894 from a cave near Brassempouy in the Landes region of south-western France

Venus of Dolni Vestonice, Stone Age. Close-up of the mask or head of the Venus of Dolni Vestonice figurine. The whole object is an 11-centimetre-high ceramic (clay and loess) figurine

Stone Age (Magdalenian) harpoons. These specimens were found in the Rascano cave, Mirones, in the Cantabria region of Spain

Stone Age (Magdalenian) harpoon. This specimen was found in the Rascano cave, Mirones, in the Cantabria region of Spain. It dates from the time of the Magdalenian culture

Prehistoric carved horse, Vogelherd Cave C015 / 6740
Prehistoric carved horse. Prehistoric carving in mammoth ivory of a wild horse. This Stone Age (palaeolithic) artefact (50 millimetres long)

Prehistoric carved bird, Hohle Fels cave C015 / 6741
Prehistoric carved bird. Prehistoric carving in mammoth ivory of a water bird. It is thought to be a diver, cormorant, or duck

Ivory and bone tools, Upper Palaeolithic C016 / 5026
Ivory and bone tools, Upper Palaeolithic. These items date from between 18, 000 and 30, 000 years ago. From upper left to lower right they are

Stone Age artefact, Magdalenian culture. Carving inscribed on one end of a prehistoric object, possibly a spatula or a device known as a bull-roarer

Stone Age (Magdalenian) bone disc. These objects, decorated with figures of animals, were carvings made on thin discs of bones, often cut from shoulder blades

Prehistoric flint tools C014 / 1014
Prehistoric flint tools. Selection of flint tools found in Mauritania, West Africa, dating to 8, 000 to 10, 000 years ago

Stone Age spatula, Magdalenian culture. This carved prehistoric object is thought to be a spatula, though the attribution is uncertain

Goughs Cave craniums and bones. Skull and bones fragments from modern humans (Homo sapiens) excavated from Goughs Cave, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, UK

Prehistoric carved lion, Vogelherd Cave C015 / 6731
Prehistoric carved lion. Prehistoric carving in mammoth ivory of a lion. Some have identified the animal as a hippopotamus, hyena or rhinoceros

Siega Verde petroglyph C015 / 6439
Siega Verde petroglyph. Prehistoric rock carvings (petroglyph) of an auroch, wolf (or dog), and horse. The auroch (wild cattle) is the main figure, with the head and horns at left

Siega Verde petroglyph C015 / 6438
Siega Verde petroglyph. Prehistoric rock carving (petroglyph) of a horse. This carving is part of the collection of petroglyphs at the Siega Verde site, in the province of Salamanca, Spain

Siega Verde petroglyph C015 / 6437
Siega Verde petroglyph. Prehistoric rock carving (petroglyph) of a horse. This carving is part of the collection of petroglyphs at the Siega Verde site, in the province of Salamanca, Spain

Goughs Cave cranium. Fragment of a modern human (Homo sapiens) skull, showing cut marks, excavated from Goughs Cave, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, UK

Carved artefacts, Upper Palaeolithic C016 / 5307
Carved artefacts, Upper Palaeolithic. These prehistoric artefacts dates from 11, 000 to 18, 000 years ago. At top is a mammoth tusk carved to depict a reindeer (head at left)

Limestone lamp, Magdalenian, from France
Limestone lamp of Magdalenian age, 11, 000 - 18, 000 years old (Upper Palaeolithic) from La Mouthe, France

Aurignacian tools
A bone point, probably a spearhead and a flint end-scraper tool of Aurignacian age, 30, 000 - 34, 000 years old from France

Limestone lamp with ibex carved on back
Limestone lamp with ibex carving, of Magdalenian age, 11, 000 - 18, 000 years old (Upper Palaeolithic) from La Mouthe, France

Venus in limestone
Figure of a woman, or Venus, engraved in limestone, Gravettian age 22, 000 - 30, 000 years old (Upper Palaeolithic) from Abri Pataud in France. Created by Cro-Magnon man

Harpoon carved from antler
Cast of an antler harpoon from the Magdalenian culture, 11, 000-18, 000 years ago (Upper Palaeolithic)

Bone needles of Magdalenian age
Bone needles dating back to about 15, 000 years ago. The Magdalenian tools discovered in France are believed to have belonged to early Homo sapiens who hunted reindeer during the last ice age

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The Upper Palaeolithic period, a fascinating era of human history, is known for its remarkable artistic expressions and innovative tools. One iconic representation from this time is the Venus of Brassempouy, a small ivory figurine discovered in France. This delicate carving showcases the intricate craftsmanship of our Stone Age ancestors. Another renowned artifact from this period is the Venus of Willendorf, an ancient stone figurine representing fertility and abundance. Its exaggerated features emphasize the importance placed on reproduction during that time. In addition to these figurines, cave paintings provide valuable insights into Upper Palaeolithic life. The Altamira cave painting in Spain beautifully depicts a bison with vibrant colors and meticulous details. These masterpieces serve as windows into the past, allowing us to glimpse how our ancestors perceived their environment. Tools played a crucial role in survival during this era. The Magdalenian culture left behind various artifacts such as bullroarers and harpoons made from stone. These tools demonstrate their ingenuity and resourcefulness in hunting and gathering food. Carved animals also hold significance within Upper Palaeolithic artistry. A prehistoric carved horse found in Vogelherd Cave exhibits exceptional skill and attention to detail by its creator. Similarly, a carved bird discovered in Hohle Fels cave showcases early attempts at replicating nature's beauty through art. Ivory and bone tools were vital for daily activities during this time period. Examples include needles or awls used for sewing clothing or creating intricate designs on objects—an indication of advanced craftsmanship achieved by our Stone Age predecessors. Lastly, we cannot overlook the captivating Magdalenian bone disc—a circular object adorned with engravings—symbolizing both artistic expression and potential ceremonial purposes.