The oldest statues in the world still preserved and known to us include the Löwenmensch figurine and the Venus of Hohle Fels, dating back approximately 35,000-40,000 years. The Urfa Man, created around 9,000 BC, holds the distinction of being the oldest known life-sized statue.
Understanding "Oldest Statues"
When discussing the oldest "statues," it's important to differentiate between small figurines (often referred to as statuettes) and larger, life-sized sculptures. Both categories offer incredible insights into prehistoric human creativity and artistry, surviving through millennia to inform us today. The term "still standing" in this context refers to their continued existence and preservation in archaeological collections or museums.
The Earliest Known Figurines (Statuettes)
From the Upper Paleolithic period, two significant discoveries from Germany stand out as the oldest confirmed statuettes:
- Löwenmensch Figurine: This remarkable sculpture, made from mammoth ivory, depicts a human-like figure with a lion's head. Discovered in the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave, it is one of the oldest known zoomorphic (animal-shaped) sculptures in the world. It dates back an astonishing 35,000-40,000 years ago. You can learn more about this artifact at the Ulm Museum.
- Venus of Hohle Fels: Also crafted from mammoth ivory and found in the Hohle Fels cave, this figurine represents a female body and is considered the oldest undisputed depiction of a human figure. It shares a similar age range with the Löwenmensch, dating back 35,000-40,000 years ago. Insights into this artifact can be found at the Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren.
These small, portable artworks provide crucial evidence of complex cognitive abilities and symbolic thought among early modern humans.
The Oldest Life-Sized Sculpture
Moving into the Neolithic period, a monumental find from Turkey represents the oldest known life-sized statue:
- Urfa Man: Discovered near Sanliurfa, Turkey, this imposing human-like statue is carved from sandstone and stands approximately 1.8 meters (nearly 6 feet) tall. It features inlaid obsidian eyes, a V-shaped necklace, and distinct anatomical details. The Urfa Man is dated to around 9,000 BC, placing it firmly in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period. This makes it the earliest known life-sized sculpture of a human figure. The Şanlıurfa Museum houses this significant artifact.
Summary of Ancient Statues
The following table summarizes these groundbreaking archaeological discoveries:
| Statue/Figurine Name | Type | Estimated Age | Location Found | Current Display/Significance |
| :------------------- | :--- | :------------ | :------------- | 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What is the oldest statue in the world still standing?
The oldest statues in the world still preserved and known to us include the Löwenmensch figurine and the Venus of Hohle Fels, both dating back approximately 35,000-40,000 years. The Urfa Man, created around 9,000 BC, holds the distinction of being the oldest known life-sized statue.
Understanding "Oldest Statues"
When discussing the oldest "statues," it's important to differentiate between small figurines (often referred to as statuettes) and larger, life-sized sculptures. Both categories offer incredible insights into prehistoric human creativity and artistry, surviving through millennia to inform us today. The term "still standing" in this context refers to their continued existence and preservation in archaeological collections or museums worldwide.
The Earliest Known Figurines (Statuettes)
From the Upper Paleolithic period, two significant discoveries from Germany stand out as the oldest confirmed statuettes:
- Löwenmensch Figurine: This remarkable sculpture, made from mammoth ivory, depicts a human-like figure with a lion's head. Discovered in the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave, it is one of the oldest known zoomorphic (animal-shaped) sculptures in the world. It dates back an astonishing 35,000-40,000 years ago. You can learn more about this artifact at the Ulm Museum.
- Venus of Hohle Fels: Also crafted from mammoth ivory and found in the Hohle Fels cave, this figurine represents a female body and is considered the oldest undisputed depiction of a human figure. It shares a similar age range with the Löwenmensch, dating back 35,000-40,000 years ago. Insights into this artifact can be found at the Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren.
These small, portable artworks provide crucial evidence of complex cognitive abilities and symbolic thought among early modern humans. They offer a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural lives of our distant ancestors.
The Oldest Life-Sized Sculpture
Moving into the Neolithic period, a monumental find from Turkey represents the oldest known life-sized statue:
- Urfa Man: Discovered near Sanliurfa, Turkey, this imposing human-like statue is carved from sandstone and stands approximately 1.8 meters (nearly 6 feet) tall. It features inlaid obsidian eyes, a V-shaped necklace, and distinct anatomical details. The Urfa Man is dated to around 9,000 BC, placing it firmly in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period. This makes it the earliest known life-sized sculpture of a human figure. The Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum houses this significant artifact.
The creation of such a large-scale human representation marks a pivotal moment in the history of art, reflecting advancements in societal organization and artistic expression during the dawn of settled agricultural communities.
Summary of Ancient Statues
The following table summarizes these groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, highlighting their unique contributions to our understanding of prehistoric art:
| Statue/Figurine Name | Type | Estimated Age | Location Found | Current Display/Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Löwenmensch figurine | Statuette (zoomorphic) | 35,000-40,000 years ago (Upper Paleolithic) | Germany | Oldest confirmed animal-human figurine; housed at Ulm Museum. Represents early complex symbolic thought. |
| Venus of Hohle Fels | Statuette (human figure) | 35,000-40,000 years ago (Upper Paleolithic) | Germany | Oldest confirmed depiction of a human figure; housed at Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren. A key artifact for understanding early human representation. |
| Urfa Man | Life-sized statue | ~9,000 BC (Pre-Pottery Neolithic B) | Turkey | Oldest known life-sized statue of a human; housed at Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum. Signifies a major step in large-scale human sculpture and early settled societies. |
These ancient artworks offer invaluable insights into the artistic and cultural evolution of humanity, demonstrating a deep-seated desire to create and represent the world around them long before the advent of written history.
