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Phallic figurine

Unknown15100±100 BP

National Museum of the History of Ukraine

National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine

Mizyn sculpture is a unique phenomenon of the oldest art. The original style of the figurines immediately attracted the attention of researchers. Its attribution became the subject of a debate that continues to this day. Khvedir Vovk found the phallic statuette in 1909 during the excavations of the site. It is made as a round sculpture from a cylindrical blank. The upper part has the form of an elongated narrow rod rounded at the end. The lower part has shortened proportions. The rounded ridge separates the lower part from the three sides. The item has a smooth surface. The upper part is decorated with an incised zigzag ornament, which in the middle part forms the rhombic figures. There are small notches on the flattened front side. They are bordering a complex graphic composition. Below it, there are vertical dashes.
Mizyn phallic figurines are schematized images of the male phallus supplemented with female themes (ornament). There is also a version that these are stylized male statuettes with a graphic image of a face in a fur hood. Below the face, there is an engraved phallus or beard.
Ancient humans probably used it during ceremonies, rites, for example, initiations.

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  • Title: Phallic figurine
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 15100±100 BP
  • Location Created: Mizyn site
  • Physical Dimensions: l 105, w 18 mm
  • Type: Sculpture
  • Rights: National Museum of the History of Ukraine
  • Medium: Mammoth tusk, chipping, turning, carving
  • Place found: Chernihiv Region, Ukraine
  • Period: Upper Paleolithic
National Museum of the History of Ukraine

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