Cast of an ivory horse figurine from Lourdes, France. Measuring 3.5 centimeters high by 7.3 centimeters long, the original figurine is about 15,000 years old. Animal, human, and other figurines were created by modern humans beginning at least 35,000 years ago. The various sizes, shapes, and styles show that different groups made them. The act of creating the figurines, and the beliefs behind them, may have united these groups.