The inhabitants of Dolní Vestonice modelled animal figures from the local clay and baked them in their camp fires. Many figures shattered but this complete bear is an example of the dangerous animals modelled and successfully fired. It does not have a threatening posture but stands with its head low and neck outstretched showing the distinctive hump above its shoulders.

Dolní Vestonice, Moravia, Czech Republic.

Brno Museum, Czech Republic.

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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