This figurine can only be dated on stylistic grounds because it was an isolated find made by workmen. Made of steatite, it is pointed at both ends and the tallest of all the known figures. The head has a pyramidal shape with a ridge where the face should be. The shoulders are not well defined and the upper arms curve round into full breasts which are placed high. The stomach is narrow but prominent above the sexual triangle. The buttocks stick out prominently above the tapering legs.

Village of Savignano, near Modena, Italy.

Pigorini Museum, Rome.

Culture taking its name from the La Gravette site, Dordogne, France, and lasted from about 28,000 years ago until 22,000 years ago. Original elements in Gravettian cave art include the use of hand stencils, and the type of female statuette widely but incorrectly known as 'Venus' first appear in the portable art of this period.

Source: Dr Jean Clottes

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