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Right lateral view

Natural History Museum Vienna

Natural History Museum Vienna
Vienna, Austria

What does the Venus of Willendorf, worked by flint tools about 29,500 years ago, actually represent? What is the meaning of the Venus of Willendorf? Limited to external features, the answer would be quite easy to give: it is a symmetrical female figurine of 11 cm, its head seemingly bent towards its right breast. Pronounced haunches, a protruding belly and heavy breasts characterize the naked body. The big drooping head sits on weak shoulders and is covered by a hairdo or headdress. Though shortened, the thighs are shaped in a naturalistic way, while the statuette has neither face nor feet. Its tiny arms rest on its breasts; the wrists show incised bracelets. The sexual characteristics are represented very explicitly.

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  • Title: Right lateral view
  • Rights: (c) NHM Vienna (Lois Lammerhuber/Edition Lammerhuber)
Natural History Museum Vienna

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