{"id":36114,"date":"2026-09-01T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecoticias.com\/en\/?p=36114"},"modified":"2026-09-01T16:50:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T20:50:25","slug":"archaeologists-have-uncovered-two-tiny-bird-figurines-carved-from-mammoth-ivory-in-hohle-fels-cave-in-southwestern-germany-dating-back-about-40000-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecoticias.com\/en\/archaeologists-have-uncovered-two-tiny-bird-figurines-carved-from-mammoth-ivory-in-hohle-fels-cave-in-southwestern-germany-dating-back-about-40000-years\/36114\/","title":{"rendered":"\ufeffArchaeologists have uncovered two tiny bird figurines carved from mammoth ivory in Hohle Fels Cave in southwestern Germany dating back about 40,000 years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Archaeologists have found the smallest Ice Age artwork<\/a> to date. Carved from mammoth ivory and discovered in Hohle Fels Cave<\/a> in southwestern Germany, these two bird figurines are estimated at 40,000 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the size of thumbnails, one bird appears to be resting pensively, while the other is in flight or possibly displaying. The Swabian Jura World Heritage region<\/a> was the search site where evidence of our ancestors\u2019 keen interest in bird behavior was recorded. The fine, detailed carving on these artifacts serves as testament to their curiosity and observance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tiny carvings with remarkable detail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While most comparable Ice Age figurines are one to four inches long, the winged specimen stretches less than an inch in length. The carvings weigh 0.05 and 0.02 oz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe carvings are not highly stylized, but include many specific and unique details,\u201d said excavation director Nicholas Conard<\/a>, working in conjunction with Alexander Janas and Mohsen Zeidi at the University of T\u00fcbingen. Researchers can now discuss the species and actions depicted in the art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds caught in motion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rounded posture and tucked head of the complete figure suggests a bird possibly squatting over eggs. Researchers believe it to be a ptarmigan, whose cold-adapted body\u2019s remains are commonly found in the cave<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ancient
The remarkably detailed mammoth-ivory carving appears to show a bird in a low resting posture, possibly a ptarmigan, although its exact species remains uncertain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are unsure whether the incomplete figure depicts a grouse-like bird or bird of prey. It features spread wings and a long neck, with a well-defined bill. In flight, it appears to be landing on water, defending territory, or engaging in a show of courtship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A signature of Hohle Fels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discovered in the same Aurignacian layer\/stratum only five feet apart, it is quite possible that they were carved by the same hand, although that is only speculation at this point. The Aurignacian people (or person) responsible for the artwork form part of early Upper Paleolithic nomads connected to humans migrating to Europe<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A water bird<\/a> carving had been discovered prior to these two pieces, giving Hohle Fels three detailed bird depictions unearthed to date. Excavators have found mammoths<\/a>, lions, bears, horses, fish, and bison at other Swabian Jura sites, but no birds. Analysts believe that different Ice Age tribes may have enjoyed different artistic trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What the figurines may have meant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No one is sure whether these artifacts served as tribal association markers, talismans, or just collector\u2019s items carried by hunters and gatherers<\/a> with sentimental value. In any case, small carvings can provide intriguing clues into the mindsets of early humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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