Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the wear on the Lion Man statue suggest about its use?
What does the wear on the Lion Man statue suggest about its use?
What material was used to create the Lion Man statue?
What material was used to create the Lion Man statue?
Why might the creation of the Lion Man have strengthened common bonds within the Ice Age community?
Why might the creation of the Lion Man have strengthened common bonds within the Ice Age community?
How does Stadel Cave, where the Lion Man was discovered, differ from other caves in the region with archaeological discoveries?
How does Stadel Cave, where the Lion Man was discovered, differ from other caves in the region with archaeological discoveries?
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What does the presence of the Lion Man, arctic fox teeth, and reindeer antlers in a dark inner chamber of Stadel Cave suggest?
What does the presence of the Lion Man, arctic fox teeth, and reindeer antlers in a dark inner chamber of Stadel Cave suggest?
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Besides the use of tools and fire, what distinguished humans from animals during the time the Lion Man was created?
Besides the use of tools and fire, what distinguished humans from animals during the time the Lion Man was created?
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What might the hybrid nature of the Lion Man (part human, part animal) symbolize for Ice Age people?
What might the hybrid nature of the Lion Man (part human, part animal) symbolize for Ice Age people?
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What was a unique physical characteristic of the lions of that time, compared to modern African lions?
What was a unique physical characteristic of the lions of that time, compared to modern African lions?
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Study Notes
Lion Man Figurine
- Discovered in Stadel Cave, southern Germany in 1939, carved from mammoth tusk.
- Shows a lion, extinct species; 30cm taller than modern African lions, no mane.
- Displays significant wear, suggesting repeated handling, likely part of a ritual or narrative.
- Unknown purpose, potential roles: deity, spirit intermediary, creation story figure, human transformed by a cosmic journey
- Highlighted the interplay between humans and animals, perhaps addressing humanity's place in nature.
- Estimated creation time: over 400 hours using Ice Age stone tools (Wulf Hein's experiment).
- Indicates the community prioritized the sculpture, suggesting function beyond immediate survival or strengthening communal bonds, beliefs, and rituals.
- Found in a dark inner chamber in Stadel Cave.
- Cave's characteristics: north-facing, less sun, less habitation debris. Sparse evidence suggests occasional use for gatherings, beliefs, and shared understanding.
- Suggests a connection between beliefs and social cohesion long before writing.
- Supported by similar small carved figures found in caves of the region and dated to the Ice Age (Ice Age Art: arrival of the modern mind, British Museum exhibition).
- Other caves contain evidence of prolonged human habitation in lighted areas (stone tools, animal bone remains).
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Description
Explore the fascinating history of the Lion Man figurine, discovered in Stadel Cave, Germany. This remarkable sculpture, carved from mammoth tusk, provides insights into prehistoric rituals and the relationship between humans and animals. Delve into the artistic process and the potential meanings behind this enigmatic figure.