Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Mammoth Ivory Portrait Reveals Paleolithic Artistry

2/4/2025

29 4

Summary

Story summary

The Dolní Vestonice Portrait Head, a stunning artifact carved from mammoth ivory around 24,000 B.C. in the Czech Republic, stands as the oldest known individual portrait. At just 1.9 inches tall, it captures the intricate features of a woman's face, showcasing the remarkable artistry of Upper Paleolithic mammoth hunters in a region rich with archaeological treasures.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Dolní Vestonice Portrait Head, a stunning artifact carved from mammoth ivory around 24,000 B.C. in the Czech Republic, stands as the oldest known individual portrait. At just 1.9 inches tall, it captures the intricate features of a woman's face, showcasing the remarkable artistry of Upper Paleolithic mammoth hunters in a region rich with archaeological treasures.