Venus of Laussel

).

The figure holds a wisent horn, or possibly a cornucopia, in one hand, which has 13 notches. According to some researchers, this may symbolise the number of moons or the number of menstrual cycles in one year. [Marshack, p. 335. He goes on to say that "One cannot conjecture on the basis of one engraved sequence any meaning to the marks, but that the usually clean horn was notated with storied marks is clear."] She has her hand on her abdomen (or womb), with large breasts and vulva. There is a "Y" on her thigh and her faceless head is turned toward the horn.

The figure was rediscovered in 1911 by J. G. Lalanne, a physician. It was carved into the wall of a limestone rock shelter ("abri de Laussel") on the territory of the commune of Marquay, in the Dordogne department of southwestern France. It is now in the Musée d'Aquitaine, in Bordeaux, France.

Notes

References

*Marshack, Alexander (1991), "The Roots of Civilization", Moyer Bell Ltd, Mount Kisc, NY.

External links

* [http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/clottes/fig6.html Bas-relief of woman]
* [http://www.arthistory.sbc.edu/imageswomen/laussel.html "Venus" of Laussel]
* [http://perso.wanadoo.fr/gravany/frescoes/low%20reliefs/venus%20of%20laussel.htm Venus carving]