The Significance of Venus Figurines

Venus figurines, especially the famous Venus of Willendorf, are prehistoric sculptures that have fascinated scholars for centuries. Various theories have emerged regarding their purpose, ranging from fertility symbols to representations of beauty, revealing more about the cultures interpreting them than the figures themselves. The timing of their discovery in the 19th century coincided with a significant shift in archaeology, from a biblical framework to one that acknowledges deep time in human history. This transition allowed for a broader understanding of not only these artifacts but also the societies that produced them, correlating with how archaeology evolved during that period.