#the vogelherd horse

[travellingdragon]

Vogelherd horse, mammoth ivory // horse figurine I found on a hike two days ago, plastic

[ancientstuff]

I love the simplicity of this sculpture. Simply beautiful.

[7whistlepig7]

Sacred horses

This horse was carved from mammoth Ivory about 32,000 years ago. (The legs broke off long ago) This was found in the Vogelherd Cave, Baden-Wurttemberg, SW Germany. This is the oldest known carving of a horse, presumably hunted for food. Surprised me because horses are more associated with central Asia. Could this be part of a horse cult? Horsa and Hengist, named after horses, left Germany and…

[apilgrimpassingby]

Favorite historical time period(s)?

I've got a few favourites.

My current is the early Upper Palaeolithic in Europe. I've mentioned the time abyss factor in my most recent post, but there's more.

I've been a fantasy fan for a long time. As you may know, there's a fantasy trope, used by both Tolkien and (Robert E.) Howard, where the fantasy setting is ostensibly the earth in the prehistoric past. Then I get The Handbook of British Archaeology as a 16th birthday present and I discover that trope happened in real life.

Europe had a climate and ecology like that of Mongolia, the landscape was dominated by reindeer, mammoths and wild horses, there were "monsters" (mammoths, cave lions, scimitar cats, etc.), "fantasy races" (Neanderthals and humans coexisted and interbred for several thousand years) and "wandering monster fighters" (everyone).

The Middle Palaeolithic was my first love after discovering that Neanderthals were far more developed than pop culture would tell you they are (they had javelins, string, glue, jewellery, music, etc.), but I'm falling in love with the Upper Palaeolithic for having cool stuff like cave paintings, the Vogelherd Cave figurines (if you haven't heard of them, look them up) and the first definitive evidence of religion. I'm picking the early Upper Palaeolithic because it's where the two meet.

As for Europe, well, it's the one I know most about, and since I live there (Britain, specifically), as do all the ancestors I know of, I feel naturally close to it.

[paramedicabroad]

Caves & Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura

Hey there, adventurers and history buffs! Today, we're taking a journey back in time to one of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany—the Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura. This site is a treasure trove of ancient wonders that give us a peek into the lives and minds of our prehistoric ancestors.

In 2017, the Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious recognition underscores the global importance of these sites as windows into the cognitive and cultural development of early humans.

Nestled in the picturesque Swabian Jura region of southwestern Germany, this site is home to six caves that have revealed some of the oldest known figurative art created by humans. These artworks date back to the Aurignacian period, around 35,000 to 40,000 years ago, offering a rare glimpse into early human creativity.

The caves themselves—Hohle Fels, Vogelherd, Geißenklösterle, Sirgenstein, Kesslerloch, and Hohlenstein-Stadel—are natural wonders. Formed over millions of years, they provided shelter and a canvas for early humans who lived in the harsh Ice Age environment. Walking through these caves feels like stepping into a time machine, with every corner whispering stories of the past.

One of the most iconic discoveries from these caves is the Venus of Hohle Fels, a small ivory figurine depicting a woman. This masterpiece, carved over 35,000 years ago, is the oldest known example of figurative art, showcasing the remarkable skill and imagination of its creator.

Vogelherd Cave is another gem, where archaeologists found exquisite ivory carvings of animals like mammoths, lions, and horses. These figurines, some of the oldest known in the world, reflect the rich fauna of the Ice Age and highlight the deep connection between early humans and the natural world.

Geißenklösterle Cave holds a special place in history for its discovery of the earliest known musical instruments. Flutes made from bird bones and mammoth ivory, dating back around 40,000 years, were found here, offering evidence of the role music played in prehistoric societies.

Beyond the caves, the Swabian Jura region is a natural paradise. Its rugged landscapes, charming villages, and scenic hiking trails make it a perfect destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you're exploring the caves or enjoying the stunning views, there's something magical about connecting with the ancient past in such a beautiful setting.

Efforts to preserve and study these sites are ongoing, ensuring that these priceless artifacts and the stories they tell are protected for future generations. The work of archaeologists and conservationists helps us understand our shared heritage and appreciate the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors.

The Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura offer an extraordinary journey into the dawn of human creativity. Each artifact and carving is a testament to the resilience and imagination of early humans, bridging the gap between the past and the present. If you ever find yourself in Germany, don't miss the chance to explore this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors. 🌿 🦇 🇩🇪

[delicatuscii-wasbella102]

“The Vogelherd horse – the oldest known sculpture of a horse. It was crafted in woolly mammoth ivory with flint tools over 35,000 years ago in southern Germany.”

[x-heesy]

@rabihalameddine, twitter.com

The oldest known sculpture of a horse. Carved in mammoth ivory, the Vogelherd Horse is 35,000 years old. pic.twitter.com/EhAPYEBA9V

https://twitter.com/rabihalameddine/status/957788845621129216/photo/1

[barbariankingdom]

'The Vogelherd horse', Germany. Circa 30,000 old and carved out of mammoth ivory, it is thought to be the oldest sculpture of horse

Photo: Wuselig CC BY-SA 4.0

[ofwlvs]

Oldest known sculpture of a horse, Aurignacian, 32,000-35,000 years old

This exquisitely carved Ice Age figurine was found in the Vogelherd Cave, near Stetten, in southwest Germany. Sculpted from mammoth ivory this little horse is part of an originally more rounded representation with longer legs and tail. The head is complete and still shows the engraved mouth, nostrils and eyes. The ears are alert and the neck arched. The mane, back and sides are marked with crossed diagonal incisions.

Museum Schloss Hohentübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

[avishabilis]

Oldest known sculpture of a horse from the Vogelherd Cave, near Stetten, southwest Germany. Aurignacian. 32,000-35,000 years old.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[racheleleonardi]

Cavallo di Vogelherd, 32 000-31 000 anni fa, avorio scolpito a tutto tondo, ritrovato nel sito archeologico di Vogelherd.

[maximaxoo]

#History: the "Wild #Horse" from Vogelherd, among oldest carvings made by humans c. 30,000 BCE ► https://ift.tt/1JpVXn7

[robertogreco]

“A masterpiece of #IceAgeArt and the oldest known sculpture of a horse. Carved in mammoth ivory, the Vogelherd Horse is 35,000 years old. You can see this remarkable #IceAge sculpture (it is just 4.8 cm long) in the museum in the castle at Tübingen.” —Jamie Woodward

[esotericworld]

Discovered in the Vogelherd cave about 1 km northwest of Stetten-ob- Lontal, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the Wild Horse from Vogelherd, carved from mammoth ivory, is the earliest sculpture of a horse.

Source: http://www.historyofinformation.com/expanded.php?id=3917

https://twitter.com/Jamie_Woodward_/status/861285905696530432