Venus of Willendorf

The Venus of Willendorf is a small, carved stone figure of a woman, most likely a representation of a Goddess. It takes its name from the site where it was discovered in the early twentieth century in Willendorf, Austria.
The figure is dated between 22-24,000 BCE. The purpose of the statue cannot be determined because of its great age, but it is assumed to be a fertility charm or a representation of a goddess. Its most striking features are its exaggerated, voluptuous form, and its lack of a face- braids or decorative work continues all the way around the head. Faint traces of red ochre pigment suggest ritual use.

To date, hundreds of similar carved ritual figures have been discovered all over the world- their exact purpose can only be speculated about.