In 1886 in the cave of Les Espélugues, France, this 15,000 year old sculpture carved of mammoth ivory was found with other deposits in a crevice near floor level. Whether it was the original deposit or not, this practice has been observed throughout the Pyrenees from this period, and is thought to be some form of symbolic act.

This small sculpture is beautifully proportioned and detailed. Moreover, the task of carving out to reveal the legs and tail [originally intact] reflect considerable artistic skill. The features of the head are detailed and accurate, and small numerous incisions have been made for emphasis, such as the variation in the pelt and the roundness of the stomach.

Musée d’Archéologie nationale, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris.

The most widely-spread and best-known Palaeolithic culture, which started around 17,000 years ago and ended around 11,000 years ago. Its name derives from the La Madeleine site in Dordogne, France. Some of the high points in cave art in all its forms - sculpture, black drawings, polychrome painting, modelling and engraving - are to be found in this period.

Source: Dr Jean Clottes

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