A stunning archaeological breakthrough has just come to light in northern Israel. Cult of Weird Researchers have uncovered a remarkable 12,000-year-old clay statuette of a woman holding a goose. This minuscule piece of art is only 3.7 centimeters tall. It uncovers deep knowledge about the Natufian culture, a society that celebrated humanity’s transition from wandering foragers to established towns.
Archaeologists found the figurine during excavations at the Nahal Ein Gev II (NEG II) site. It rested within the remnant fill of a semicircular stone structure (type yet to be determined) that contained both burials and ceremonial/ritual deposits. This new location, called Nahal Einan 1, dates to the Late Natufian, about 12,000 years ago. It’s a huge archaeological discovery. The figurine was skillfully crafted from local clay and heated to about 400°C, showcasing the artistic techniques of its time.
This image, too, of a woman with a goose, takes an ordinary moment and elevates it to something surreal. It’s an incredible demonstration of an early example of mythic imagination and a rich symbolic language. That goose looks like quite a happy fellow, doesn’t he? This striking appearance draws attention to its importance as both a food source and cultural icon in Natufian society.
“The NEG II [figurine] captures a transformative moment,” said Prof. Grosman, an expert in prehistoric cultures. This clay figurine is the oldest evidence of human-animal interaction. It is known as the earliest naturalistic representation of a woman in all of Southwest Asia.
Dr. Laurent Davin emphasized the significance of the find: “This discovery is extraordinary on multiple levels.” Although the woman and goose are represented symbolically rather than realistically, this artwork highlights the strong creativity and symbolic thought of early human societies. This article serves to link the experiences of mobile hunter-gatherers to those of developing settled communities.
Prof. Grosman elaborated on this notion, stating, “It bridges the world of mobile hunter gatherers and that of the first settled communities, showing how imagination and symbolic thinking began to shape human culture.” The beautiful figurine features exquisite detail and craftsmanship. Its dramatic use of light and shade produces an extraordinary sense of depth and perspective, foretelling the radical artistic breakthroughs that will flower during the Neolithic period.
Researchers are actively engaged in research of this extraordinary piece of history. It serves to reconnect us with the intricate cultural fabric created by Natufian people. This figurine not only represents a moment frozen in time but illustrates how early humans began to express complex ideas through art.