Morning Tonic: Caveman Carvings

Archaeologists have discovered this ivory carving of a wooly mammoth, which they have dated back some 35,000 years, crafted by the earliest “modern humans.”

The figure of the woolly mammoth is tiny, measuring just 3.7 cm long and weighing a mere 7.5 grams, and displays skilfully detailed carvings. It is unique in its slim form, pointed tail, powerful legs and dynamically arched trunk. It is decorated with six short incisions, and the soles of the pachyderm’s feet show a crosshatch pattern. The miniature lion is 5.6 cm long, has a extended torso and outstretched neck. It is decorated with approximately 30 finely incised crosses on its spine.

35,000-Year-Old Mammoth Sculpture Found in Germany [Spiegel.de]