VENUS OF GARGARINO, ANCIENT PALEOLITHIC FEMALE FIGURINE

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The Palaeolithic Venus figurines of Gagarino are eight exquisite ivory statuettes crafted by skilled artisans. Belonging to the Gravettian industry, these remarkable relics date back approximately 21,000–20,000 years and were unearthed near the village of Gagarino in Lipetsk Oblast, Russia. Currently housed at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Figurine No. 1 (Abramova 1962) boasts a striking resemblance to the Venus of Willendorf. Its sculpted female form is depicted as naked and plump, which may not necessarily signify pregnancy. The short arms are positioned at the sides without hands, while the face remains undepicted, although a headgear or hairstyle is subtly indicated. The breasts appear prominent, and the mons veneris is cleverly suggested in this intricate piece of art.