THE ART OF THE ICE AGE - EXPLORING THE DEEPER HISTORY OF ART

GALGENBURG FIGURE

 
 
Galgenburg Figure Ice Age Sculpture Prehistory History Art Sculptures Archaeology Austria Aurignacian
Galgenburg: Dancing Figure
Aurignacian. 32,000 years old
One of the oldest human sculptures in the world, this figure of a nude woman dancing was found broken in eight pieces near a camp fire on an open air site. Made with great skill and artistry from an attractive pebble of blackish green amphibolite the figure is worked in relief on the front and is flat on the back. The right arm is held above the head and her breast hangs beneath. The left arm curves out from the body, shoulder slightly forward, hand resting on the thigh of the left leg which also curves outwards, knee slightly bent. The head is poised, slightly square and lacking a face. The pose suggests movement in a dance and the figurine is often called ‘Fanny’ after one of Austria’s prima ballerinas. Such movement is exceptional among early human sculptures which more often have an immobile stance. Was she enjoying herself or participating in a ritual celebration?
 
Stratzing, Krems-Rehberg, Lower Austria.
 
Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna.
 
7.2 cms high; 2.7 cms wide; 0.7 cms thick.
SCULPTURE INFORMATION
32,000 yrs
Height : 7.2 cm
Width : 2.7 cm
Thick : 0.7 cm
 
Further Links:
Ice Age Art Index
Ice Age Art Gallery Ice Age, art, sculptures, Palaeolithic, portable, sculpture, prehistory, prehistoric, history of art
 
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