List of the 10 Oldest Sculptures That Have Ever Been Discovered

The following list includes some of the oldest sculptures ever discovered, dating back to ancient civilizations and prehistoric times. These sculptures provide a fascinating glimpse into the artistic expressions and cultural beliefs of early human societies.

1. Venus of Hohle Fels: Discovered in Germany and dated around 35,000-40,000 years old, this small ivory figurine is considered one of the oldest known depictions of a human figure.
2. Lion Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel: This mammoth ivory sculpture, found in Germany and dating back approximately 40,000 years, represents a lion-headed humanoid figure, possibly symbolizing a mythical creature or deity.
3. Venus of Berekhat Ram: Discovered in Israel and estimated to be between 233,000 and 800,000 years old, this basaltic figurine is believed to represent a female form, making it one of the earliest examples of art in human history.
4. Venus of Willendorf: Dating back around 28,000-25,000 years, this limestone figurine was found in Austria and is thought to represent fertility and femininity.
5. Venus of Dolní Věstonice: Discovered in the Czech Republic and dated around 29,000-25,000 years old, this ceramic figurine is one of the earliest known examples of fired clay sculpture.
6. Venus of Moravany: Found in Slovakia and dating back approximately 22,800 years, this mammoth tusk carving represents another example of prehistoric art depicting the female form.
7. Venus of Galgenberg: Estimated to be around 30,000 years old, this serpentine figurine was discovered in Austria and is believed to depict a dancing woman.
8. Venus of Lespugue: Dating back around 26,000 years, this ivory figurine was found in France and is another representation of the female form in prehistoric art.
9. Venus of Brassempouy: Discovered in France and dating back approximately 25,000 years, this ivory head is one of the earliest known realistic representations of a human face.
10. Göbekli Tepe Animal Sculptures: Located in modern-day Turkey, Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site dating back to around 9600-9500 BCE. The site features numerous stone pillars adorned with carved animal reliefs, making them some of the oldest known large-scale sculptures.

It’s important to note that new discoveries are continually being made, and the dates and rankings of these sculptures may change as more information becomes available. Nonetheless, these ancient works of art offer valuable insights into the creative expressions and cultural practices of our early ancestors.