A 33,000-year-old carving of a bird, discovered in the Hohle Fels cave in southwestern Germany, has been identified as the earliest known representation of a bird in human history. Sculpted from mammoth ivory, the artifact was unearthed in 2002 during excavations led by archaeologists exploring the prehistoric cultural heritage of the region.
The diminutive carving, measuring just a few centimeters, showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Ice Age humans. With detailed features such as a rounded body and pointed beak, the artifact is a testament to the artistic ingenuity of early Homo sapiens. Scholars believe it likely held symbolic or spiritual significance, reflecting early humans’ connection to their natural environment.

The bird carving is now housed at the Blaubeuren Prehistory Museum in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where it forms part of a broader exhibition on Ice Age art. The museum director, Dr. Elke Wagner, remarked, “This carving not only demonstrates the technical skill of our ancestors but also gives us insight into their creativity and their ability to represent the world around them.”
Hohle Fels cave is already famous for other significant prehistoric finds, including the “Venus of Hohle Fels,” a figurine dating back approximately 40,000 years. The bird carving adds to the site’s legacy as a cornerstone of understanding early human culture in Europe.
The artifact’s discovery and analysis contribute to a growing body of evidence that symbolic art emerged far earlier than previously believed, reshaping narratives about the cognitive and cultural capabilities of Ice Age societies.
Visitors to the Blaubeuren Prehistory Museum can view the carving alongside other artifacts from the region, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and minds of Europe’s earliest inhabitants.
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