The “Willendorf Venus” has long been one of the most valuable archaeological treasures, a renowned symbol of the Upper Paleolithic era. Discovered in 1908 by scientist Johann Veran at a site near Willendorf, Austria, this small statue has fascinated the scientific community for over a century. Recently, using micro-CT scanning technology, researchers have uncovered astonishing secrets hidden within the statue, offering new insights into its origins and true value.
This small statue, only 11 cm in length, is carved from a sedimentary limestone called oolite and was painted red with ochre. It depicts a naked woman with exaggerated features, emphasizing the breasts, genitalia, buttocks, and legs, along with a detailed hairstyle or headgear but lacking a face. The statue has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility and procreation in Paleolithic culture.
In the 1970s, researchers estimated the statue to be around 20,000 years old. However, further analysis in the 1990s revised this date to between 25,000 and 30,000 BCE, underscoring the artifact’s immense age and value.
The recent use of micro-CT scanning technology has revealed new, surprising details about the statue. Led by anthropologist Gerhard Weber from the University of Vienna, the research team discovered that the internal structure of the oolite is heterogeneous, containing multiple layers of sediment with particles of varying density and size. Notably, the statue contains small fragments of limonites, an impurity that scientists believe could not have originated from the area around Willendorf.
By comparing data from Jurassic-era rocks, scientists identified that the oolite used to create the “Willendorf Venus” originated from the Lake Garda region in northern Italy. This indicates that the statue, or at least the stone from which it was carved, traveled a long distance from south to north across the Alps, potentially up to 730 km if a detour route was taken.
This remarkable journey, fraught with challenges and dangers, highlights the statue’s sacredness and immense value. The “Willendorf Venus” was likely transported and protected with extraordinary care, suggesting it may have held significant importance in the beliefs or culture of its time.
Thanks to micro-CT scanning technology, the secrets of the “Willendorf Venus” have been unveiled, providing a deeper understanding of the statue’s origins and significance. With a history spanning over 30,000 years and a journey of hundreds of kilometers from northern Italy to Austria, this statue is not only a symbol of the Upper Paleolithic era but also a testament to the craftsmanship and beliefs of ancient humans. The latest research, published in Scientific Reports, further cements the “Willendorf Venus” as an invaluable piece of our cultural heritage.
