2011
DOI: 10.1155/2011/569120
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Venus Figurines of the European Paleolithic: Symbols of Fertility or Attractiveness?

Abstract: The earliest known representations of the human female form are the European Paleolithic “Venus figurines,” ranging in age from 23,000 to 25,000 years. We asked participants to rate images of Paleolithic figurines for their attractiveness, age grouping and reproductive status. Attractiveness was positively correlated with measures of the waist-to hip ratio (WHR) of figurines, consistent with the “sexually attractive symbolism” hypothesis. However, most figurines had high WHRs (>1.0) and received low attract… Show more

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Cited by 35 publications
(23 citation statements)
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“…The intricacy and time spent creating and curating these objects gives weight to the idea that they may have had emotional significance, and encouraged emotional attachments. Moreover 'Venus' figurines tend to depict mature women, rather than young adults or adolescents, consistent with being caring figures, rather than erotica (Dixson and Dixson 2012).…”
Section: Stonehenge Pig 'Toy'mentioning
confidence: 97%
“…The intricacy and time spent creating and curating these objects gives weight to the idea that they may have had emotional significance, and encouraged emotional attachments. Moreover 'Venus' figurines tend to depict mature women, rather than young adults or adolescents, consistent with being caring figures, rather than erotica (Dixson and Dixson 2012).…”
Section: Stonehenge Pig 'Toy'mentioning
confidence: 97%
“…The supernatural was represented by the imaginary female figurines [20] and cave paintings [21]. During this harsh time, Neanderthals became extinct, because Neanderthals required about 600 or 700 calories a day more than humans to survive [22], and probably also because Neanderthals did not develop such re- Instinctive worldview affects perceptions.…”
Section: The Human Cultural Evolution Of the Cultural Typesmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The Upper Paleolithic Period was a very difficult cold period that prompted vulnerable humans to turn to the imaginary supernatural for the survival. The imaginary supernatural was represented by the imaginary well-nourished and fertile female figurines with the accent on female breasts and the posterior [18] and the imaginary cave paintings with imaginary vital and powerful animals [19]. To help people to survive the harsh time and to change the fate facing grim winters and a scarce food supply, the female figurines symbolized and brought the hope for a well-nourished and fertile community, and the cave paintings symbolized and brought the hope for a vital and powerful community.…”
Section: Awareness Social System Traits and Neuroticism-calmness Persmentioning
confidence: 99%