Archaeologists have uncovered the missing section of an ice age carving within a cave in Germany. However, the recently attached ivory carving, initially believed to represent a horse, has introduced complexity.
According to Live Science, scholars are uncertain if it portrays a cave lion or bear. Experts have only rediscovered this fragment of a renowned Ice Age figurine, which they originally found two decades ago.
Is It a Bear or a Lion?
During the last ice age, around 43,000 years ago, modern humans migrated to Europe and settled in various regions, including the Swabian Jura in southern Germany. Six caves in this area, explored since the 1860s, have yielded artifacts dating back to 43,000 to 33,000 years ago.
Among these discoveries is the head of a 35,000-year-old figurine found in the Hohle Fels cave, situated in the mountainous Swabian Jura region. This cave holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is renowned for its collection of Upper Paleolithic artifacts.
This head constituted the first ivory carving found within the cave. However, the recent discovery of the "body" portion of the carving has complicated its interpretation, negating the initial assumption of a horse depiction. When integrated with the existing figurine, the newly discovered fragment appears to portray a distinct creature altogether.
During a "Find of the Year" press conference on July 27, Nicholas Conard, a professor from the University of Tübingen, stated that the newfound body suggests a likely representation of a bear. The figurine exhibits distinctive bear-like characteristics such as a pronounced hump at shoulder level, along with a posture reminiscent of a bear's trotting gait.
However, the carving's anatomical similarities to a cave lion, a species present in Eurasia during that era, have created ambiguity. Conard emphasized the challenges of accurately identifying Ice Age depictions, especially when preserved fragmentarily.
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Other Ice Age Figurines Found in the German Cave
The Hohle Fels site has yielded significant archaeological discoveries, predominantly featuring early forms of prehistoric art like figurines and musical instruments. As per Newsweek's report, this cave complex is part of the broader Swabian Jura cave network that provided shelter to Ice Age humans around 33,000 to 43,000 years ago.
Conard noted that identifying Ice Age figurines proves challenging, particularly in fragmentary states. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous search for missing parts in the coming years.
This specific fragment, found in five parts over time, measures just 1.57 inches in length. Notable features include engraved line patterns depicting the animal's shoulder and thorax.
Dr. Stefanie Kölbl, the Managing Director of the Prehistoric Museum in Blaubeuren, emphasizes that archaeological work is ceaseless, as illustrated by the ongoing meticulous excavation process involving magnifying glasses and tweezers. The enduring preservation of these artifacts is remarkable.
The Ice Age was inhabited by various unique creatures, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, bears, and cave lions. The discovery of such figurines provides insights into these remarkable species of the time, enriching our understanding of the period.
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