40,000-Year-Old Mammoth Ivory Bird Figurines Unearthed in Germany
In Hohle Fels Cave, Germany, archaeologists unearthed two miniature bird sculptures made from mammoth ivory, dating back roughly 40,000 years to the Aurignacian era. Each piece measures less than an inch in length. One sculpture features a fragmented bird with its wings extended, while the other, which is complete, appears to be resting, potentially caring for eggs. Discovered during excavations in 2025, the two artifacts were located five feet apart and may have been crafted by the same individual. This finding was showcased at the Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren, where it will remain until April 4, 2027. These figurines represent the smallest known Ice Age art in the area, with their intended purpose still a mystery, leading to theories of them being personal talismans or identity symbols.
Key facts
- Two bird figurines carved from mammoth ivory, each less than an inch long, were discovered at Hohle Fels Cave in southwestern Germany.
- The figurines date to approximately 40,000 years ago, during the Aurignacian period.
- One figurine depicts a bird with spread wings; the other appears to be lying down, possibly tending to eggs.
- The carvings feature detailed eyes and feather markings; one may represent a ptarmigan, the other possibly another ptarmigan or bird of prey.
- The figurines were found about five feet apart during 2025 excavations and may have been carved by the same artist.
- Both artifacts are on display at the Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren in the exhibition 'Feather Light, Research Heavy: Discover the Miniature Birds in Ice Age Art' through April 4, 2027.
- Hohle Fels is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Swabian Jura, known for artifacts dating between 33,000 and 43,000 years ago.
- The figurines are the smallest Ice Age artworks found in the region; other artifacts typically measure between one and four inches.
- The purpose of the figurines is unknown; researchers speculate they may have been personal talismans or symbols of identity.
- The discovery was presented by Nicholas Conard of the University of Tübingen; Elisa Luzi identified one figurine during sifting.
Entities
Artists
- Nicholas Conard
- Elisa Luzi
- Daniel Adler
Institutions
- University of Tübingen
- University of Connecticut
- Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren
- UNESCO
- Hohle Fels Cave
Locations
- Germany
- Swabian Jura
- Hohle Fels Cave
- Blaubeuren