Imagine this- a 40,000 year old mammoth ivory carving was recently found! This figurine now claims the distinct title of world’s earliest figurative sculpture. Resembling a standing lion or bear with human characteristics, “Lion Man” is interesting for more than the obvious reasons. Conservators bring up the fact that the sculptor was able to engage high level thinking and “beyond his/her time” imagination to create this “mythical” creature. In addition, conservators estimate that it took roughly 400 hours to carve this sculpture pointing to the fact that the sculptor was someone cared for and well respected among his or her fellow villagers. Previously intended for an unveiling at the British Museum in London, plans were scratched because conservators needed more research time. In November, this carving can be seen at the ULM Museum of Natural History (in Louisiana).
Image courtesy of: Goddess Chess
