Nicholas Conard reveals discovery of two miniature ivory bird carvings from the Ice Age in Germany
Archaeologists from the University of Tübingen have discovered two miniature bird carvings made from mammoth ivory, dating back approximately 40,000 years. Nicholas Conard, the director of excavations, reported that the figurines were found in the Hohle Fels cave in southwestern Germany. One carving depicts a bird with outstretched wings, while the other shows a bird in a resting position, possibly brooding over eggs. These carvings are among the smallest surviving artworks of the Ice Age, with the winged bird being the smallest known in the region. The discovery suggests that early modern humans possessed significant cognitive acuity and artistic skill, as they were able to record detailed observations of the natural world. While the research team is still investigating the specific purpose of the birds, they may have served as personal talismans or symbols of group identity. The figurines are currently on display at the Museum of Prehistory Blaubeuren until April 2027.