The majority of figurines from this period is faceless; the Venus of Hohle Fels is missing a head. In its place, the figurine has a perforated protrusion, which may have allowed its owner to wear it as an amulet or necklace.[1] Her breasts, shame, and vulva are oversized and clearly shaped. Typically for figurines belonging to the Upper Paleolithic is that arms and legs seem to be of secondary importance. The belly and breasts of the figurine feature horizontal engravings, which is an evidence for the sculpture's creative will. The vulva has the form of a triangle; the labia at its peak are prominent with a noticeable line engraved, which might be the inner sex organs, the vagina or the pudental cleft. Similarly, the buttocks is very distinctive. From there to the belly there is a seamless indentation. According to several speculations on the purpose of Venus figurines, they were always connected to fertility. However, these theories are not scientifically proven. A Wikipedia essay[2] suggests that the figurines might be depictions of women who support or embrace their breasts in order to fend off harm. According to Eibl-Eibesfeld, this special type of women was found all over the world at any time; sometimes with their hand pointing or lying on the vulva.[3] Another interesting approach by the scientists Mc Dermott and Hodge McCoid is that the Venus figurines represent self-images by women who look down on their bodies. This thesis provides an explanation for the fact that the legs are shortened, head and/or face are missing and the breasts are proportionally enlarged.[4]

(Translation: C. Wilhelm)