The Vogelherd horse is a unique and intriguing sculpture that was created by anatomically modern humans around 32,000 to 35,000 years ago during the early Upper Paleolithic period. This horse-shaped figurine is made out of mammoth ivory and measures approximately 1 inch high and 1.9 inches long, with intricate details such as a carved mouth, nostrils, eyes, and mane. Despite the head of the ivory horse being complete, all four legs have been broken off, leading archaeologists to speculate that it may depict a stallion trying to impress a mare or defending against a predator.
The Aurignacian people were an Upper Paleolithic group who lived between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago in what is now southern Germany. They were known for their hunting and gathering skills as evidenced by the stone tools they crafted such as blades and points found in the Vogelherd Cave along with numerous animal bones and ivory pieces. Additionally, beads painted red with ochre were also discovered in the cave. It is believed that this group used the cave for processing meat as shown by the presence of reindeer and horse remains in the cave. Researchers have found that Aurignacian groups hunted and ate these animals as well as created artwork depicting them. The Vogelherd Cave’s artifacts provide valuable insights into the lives of early humans and their interactions with their environment.
