Tiny ivory birds illuminate Ice Age artistry in a German cave

Archaeologists in Germany’s Hohle Fels cave uncovered two thumbnail-sized bird figurines carved from mammoth ivory dating to about 40,000 years ago, bringing the site’s total bird carvings to three. One bird appears brooding on the ground, the other with spread wings, suggesting careful observation of nature and skilled miniaturist ivory carving by Aurignacian people. The carvings reinforce that early modern humans in Europe engaged in art and symbolic expression; the artifacts are on display at the Museum of Prehistory and Ice Age Art in Blaubeuren through April 4, 2027.