What is the name of the 1908 Ice Age figurine found at Willendorf in Austria?

The 1908 Ice Age figurine found at Willendorf in Austria is the Venus of Willendorf.

The small limestone figure was discovered by archaeologist Josef Szombathy near the village of Willendorf, in the Wachau region of Austria. It is generally dated to about 28,000–25,000 BCE and belongs to the Gravettian archaeological culture. The figurine is only about 11 centimetres tall, making it portable enough to be carried by mobile prehistoric communities.

Its exaggerated breasts, abdomen, hips and thighs have led many writers to discuss fertility, motherhood or bodily ideals, but its original purpose is unknown. The word “Venus” is a modern nickname, not evidence that prehistoric people worshipped the Roman goddess. Scholars also avoid assuming that every similar prehistoric figurine had the same meaning.

The figure’s head is covered with a patterned form, often described as hair, a woven cap or another headdress. It has no visible face, arms are folded beneath the breasts, and the feet are absent. The object is now held by the Natural History Museum in Vienna.