Artifacts are objects crafted or altered by humans, often carrying cultural or historical significance. They come in stone, bone, metal, or clay, ranging from small fragments to grand structures.
Examining artifacts plays a vital role in archaeology, offering glimpses into ancient civilizations’ lifestyles, beliefs, and rituals.
One of the earliest known artifacts is the Lomekwi stone tools, dating back around 3.3 million years. Discovered in Kenya, these tools served early hominins for cutting and pounding.
Another ancient artifact is the Venus of Hohle Fels, approximately 40,000 years old, portraying the earliest depiction of a human figure. Carved from mammoth ivory, it represents a woman with exaggerated sexual characteristics.
These examples merely scratch the surface of the world’s oldest artifacts. Let’s delve deeper into the complete catalog.
Top 10 Oldest Artifacts – Summary Table
| Artifact | Age (Years) | Location | Material | Description |
| Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel | 35,000-40,000 | Germany | Mammoth Ivory | Human figure with a lion’s head, 31 cm tall and with intricate design. |
| Venus of Hohle Fels | 35,000-40,000 | Germany | Mammoth Ivory | Venus figurine represents a woman, 6 cm tall, with exaggerated features. It is the earliest known depiction of a human in prehistoric art. |
| El Castillo Cave Paintings | At least 40,800 | Spain | Cave paintings | Oldest known cave art depicting animals, hand stencils, and geometric shapes. Shows early humans’ sophisticated understanding of art. |
| Sulawesi Cave Art | At least 45,500 | Sulawesi, Indonesia | Cave paintings | Paintings of animals and abstract designs. Oldest known representational art. Demonstrates sophisticated techniques in pigment application. |
| Venus of Willendorf | Approximately 25,000 | Austria | Limestone | Small female figurine, 11.1 cm tall, with exaggerated features. The purpose is unknown, possibly a fertility symbol. |
| Venus of Tan-Tan | Supposedly 500,000 | Morocco | Quartzite | Small, elongated figurine, 6 cm in length. Controversial interpretation as a symbolic or ritual object. |
| Oldowan Tools | 2.6 million – 1.7 million | Various locations (mostly Africa) | Stone | Stone tools made by early hominins, chopper being the most common tool. Used for various tasks. |
| Acheulean Hand Axes | 1.76 million – 100,000 | Various locations (Africa, Europe, Indian subcontinent) | Chipped stone | A large, formally-shaped working tool made by early humans during the Acheulean period. Versatile and used for cutting, chopping, and scraping. |
| Blombos Cave Ochre | Approximately 73,000 | South Africa | Ochre | Ochre piece with cross-hatched pattern, earliest known human drawing. Provides evidence of early human cognitive ability. |
| Lomekwi Stone Tools | Approximately 3.3 million | Kenya | Volcanic rock | Oldest known evidence of stone tools, challenging previous beliefs of human history. Made by early humans using the knapping technique. |
Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel
The Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel, also known as the Lion-Human, is a captivating prehistoric sculpture discovered in the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave in the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany. This remarkable piece is recognized as one of the earliest depictions of a human-animal hybrid and is a significant archaeological treasure.
Dating back to the Upper Paleolithic era, roughly 40,000 years ago, the Lion-Man emerges from a mammoth tusk, standing at a modest height of 12.2 inches (31.1 cm). With a human body and the head of a lion or similar big cat, the sculpture embodies a fascinating blend of two distinct beings.
Scholars speculate that the Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel holds ties to early spiritual beliefs or shamanistic practices. It serves as a testament to our ancient predecessors’ imaginative prowess and symbolic cognition, illuminating a period when humanity navigated the complexities of developing social structures and expressing symbolism through artistry.
Currently, the Lion Man is home in the Museum Ulm in Germany, which continues to captivate and inspire visitors with its enigmatic presence.
Venus of Hohle Fels
The Venus of Hohle Fels stands as a venerable relic unearthed from the depths of the Hohle Fels cave nestled within the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany. This ancient figurine represents one of the earliest depictions of a female form, tracing its origins back to the Upper Paleolithic era, an astonishing 35,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Crafted meticulously from mammoth ivory, the Venus of Hohle Fels emerges as a diminutive yet striking portrayal of womanhood, marked by exaggerated attributes. Notably, the figurine accentuates the female reproductive organs, breasts, and buttocks, while its limbs and facial features are rendered with minimal detail. Such overt emphasis on fertility-related characteristics hints at a potential symbolic or ritualistic role, possibly entwined with themes of fertility, childbirth, or early spiritual beliefs.
Part of a larger ensemble of akin artifacts discovered across various European archaeological sites, collectively dubbed “Venus figurines,” this ancient masterpiece offers profound insights into Paleolithic cultures’ symbolic and artistic expressions, enriching our understanding of humanity’s ancient past.
Currently housed within the Prehistoric Museum of Blaubeuren in Germany, the Venus of Hohle Fels continues to captivate and intrigue visitors as a tangible link to our distant ancestors and their enigmatic world.
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El Castillo Cave Paintings
The El Castillo Cave Paintings are a mesmerizing testament to prehistoric creativity discovered within the Cave of El Castillo in Cantabria, Spain. These ancient artworks are estimated to date back at least 40,800 years, marking them as some of the oldest known cave art globally. The cave itself was unveiled to the modern world in 1903 by the diligent efforts of Spanish archaeologist Hermilio Alcalde del Río.
Located within the evocatively named “Gallery of the Hands,” the paintings encompass various imagery, including abstract symbols and hand stencils meticulously rendered on the cave walls.
The significance of the El Castillo Cave Paintings lies in their ability to offer profound insights into the daily existence of early humans. Among the depictions adorning the cave walls are majestic animals such as bison, horses, and deer, alongside enigmatic handprints and geometric patterns.
What truly astonishes observers is the masterful use of color and shading employed in these ancient artworks. Such techniques suggest that our ancestors had a sophisticated understanding of artistic expression, enabling them to craft remarkably lifelike representations of the natural world surrounding them.
Sulawesi Cave Art
One of the world’s most ancient and consequential instances of cave art was unearthed in Sulawesi, Indonesia. These captivating artworks were discovered nestled within a network of limestone caves in the island’s southern region. Among the rich tapestry of imagery adorning these caves are depictions of animals, such as pigs, deer, and buffalo, alongside intricate hand stencils and enigmatic abstract designs.
Among these remarkable creations stands the oldest known example of figurative art in the world: a vivid portrayal of a Sulawesi warty pig, estimated to be at least 45,500 years old. Painted using red ochre, this iconic depiction graces the walls of the Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4 cave, serving as a testament to the artistic prowess of our ancient ancestors.
Other notable specimens of Sulawesi cave art include a scene capturing a buffalo in the throes of a hunt, depicted alongside figures bearing a blend of human and animal characteristics. Radiocarbon dating places this poignant tableau at approximately 44,000 years old, housed within the cavernous confines of the Lubang Jeriji Saléh cave.
The significance of Sulawesi cave art extends beyond its sheer antiquity; it also showcases the remarkable sophistication of the artistic techniques employed by its creators. Utilizing an array of pigments, including red and yellow ochre, these early artists employed diverse methods, from blowing pigments through reeds to applying them with their fingers, to bring their visions to life upon the cave walls.
Venus of Willendorf
The Venus of Willendorf stands as one of humanity’s most ancient and renowned artifacts. Discovered in 1908 at Willendorf, Austria, this petite yet captivating human figurine has captured the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts alike. Crafted from limestone, the Venus of Willendorf is estimated to have originated approximately 25,000 years ago.
Measuring a mere 11.1 centimeters in height, this enigmatic figurine is distinguished by its exaggerated proportions, featuring ample breasts, hips, and thighs. Notably, the figure’s head is strikingly diminutive, devoid of any discernible facial features save for a subtle indentation where the face would typically reside.
Despite decades of scholarly inquiry, the true purpose of the Venus of Willendorf remains shrouded in mystery. However, prevailing theories suggest it served as a symbol of fertility, a tangible representation of ancient beliefs surrounding procreation and the fecundity of life.
Venus of Tan-Tan
The Venus of Tan-Tan emerges as a fascinating archaeological find unearthed in Morocco in 1999 by German archaeologist Lutz Fiedler within the confines of the Haua Fteah cave in southwestern Morocco. This artifact is estimated to be around 500,000 years old, adding layers of intrigue to its discovery.
Measuring a mere 6 centimeters in length, 2.6 centimeters in width, and 1.2 centimeters in thickness, the Venus of Tan-Tan presents as a diminutive, elongated object weighing approximately 10 grams, roughly equivalent to a human thumb. Its form, featuring a rounded base and a pointed top, has sparked speculation regarding its potential utility as a tool or weapon.
Dubbed “Venus” by its discoverer Lutz Fiedler, the artifact parallels other prehistoric figurines in Europe, commonly known as “Venus figurines.” However, the interpretation of the Venus of Tan-Tan as a representation of the human form remains a subject of intense scholarly debate. While some contend that it may have been a naturally occurring rock formation modified by early hominins, others argue for its intentional crafting as a symbolic or ceremonial object, adding layers of mystery to its origins and purpose.
Oldowan Tools
Oldowan tools represent a significant archaeological tradition named after the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, where these tools were initially uncovered. This tradition is one of the earliest stone tool industries, marking the early phase of the Paleolithic period.
Dating back approximately 2.6 million to 1.7 million years ago, these tools are linked to some of the earliest hominins, potentially including Homo habilis, commonly known as the “handyman.” Their simplicity and lack of modification distinguish oldowan tools. Typically fashioned from volcanic rocks or quartz, they often take the form of sharp-edged flakes or choppers crafted through knapping—breaking rocks to create sharp implements.
Despite their rudimentary nature, Oldowan tools served many purposes essential for early human survival. From butchering animals to processing plants, these tools facilitated various daily activities crucial for sustenance and adaptation. While they may lack the complexity seen in later stone tool industries, the significance of Oldowan tools lies in their role as a foundational step in the technological advancement and tool usage among early hominins.
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Acheulean Hand Axes
The Acheulean hand axe is one of humanity’s oldest artifacts. Crafted by early humans during the Acheulean period, spanning from 1.76 million years ago to around 100,000 years ago, these versatile tools served many purposes, including cutting, chopping, and scraping.
These hand axes are distinguished by their large size and chipped stone construction, representing the oldest, most widespread, and enduringly utilized formally-shaped working tool crafted by human hands. Fashioned through a meticulous process of chipping away at the stone until achieving the desired shape and size, these axes were predominantly crafted from flint—a durable and abundant stone across many regions worldwide.
The Acheulean hand axe is a testament to early humans’ resourcefulness and ingenuity. Despite the constraints of their technology, they fashioned tools that proved remarkably effective and adaptable, highlighting their ability to thrive and innovate in the face of challenges.
Blombos Cave Ochre
Blombos Cave, nestled in South Africa, boasts some of the world’s oldest artifacts, among which lies a remarkable discovery—a fragment of ochre etched with a cross-hatched pattern. This intricate drawing is a testament to human creativity and is believed to be the earliest known artwork crafted by human hands, dating back approximately 73,000 years.
The cross-hatched design adorns a piece of ochre, drawn with precision using an ochre crayon on a silcrete flake found within the Middle Stone Age layers of Blombos Cave. The unearthing of this ochre fragment holds profound significance, shedding light on the cognitive prowess of early humans, demonstrating their capacity for creating abstract designs and potentially communicating through art.
The ochre fragment represents just one facet of the rich tapestry of discoveries within Blombos Cave. Additional findings include beads adorned with red ochre, intricately engraved ochre fragments, and an assortment of stone tools, collectively offering invaluable insights into ancient inhabitants’ lives and cultural practices.
For example:
| Artifact | Age (years) |
| Ochre piece with cross-hatched pattern | Approximately 73,000 |
| Engraved ochre fragments | Approximately 100,000 |
| Stone tools | Approximately 100,000 |
| Beads covered in red ochre | Approximately 75,000 |
Lomekwi Stone Tools
The Lomekwi Stone Tools represent a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts discovered at Kenya’s Lomekwi 3 excavation site. These tools are the oldest known evidence of stone tool usage, dating back approximately 3.3 million years.
Unearthed by a team of scientists from Stony Brook University and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the discovery comprises more than 149 artifacts, including cores, flakes, and anvils utilized in crafting other stone implements.
The significance of the Lomekwi Stone Tools lies in their revelation of early human tool-making capabilities, suggesting that our ancestors mastered the craft far earlier than previously believed. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom attributing the invention of stone tools solely to the genus Homo, which emerged approximately 2.8 million years ago.
Crafted from volcanic rock, these tools were likely employed for tasks such as chopping and cutting. They were fashioned using the knapping technique, striking one stone against another to create sharp edges. This innovation paved the way for subsequent technological advancements in human history.
Conclusion
The oldest artifacts in the world stand as enduring testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors. Ranging from primitive stone tools to intricate sculptures, these artifacts provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of early humans.
At present, the Lomekwi stone tools are the oldest artifacts on record. However, scientists, researchers, and anthropologists remain tirelessly engaged in uncovering new clues and discoveries.
This ongoing quest holds the potential to unveil even older artifacts or perhaps reveal tools and evidence that challenge existing understandings of Homo sapiens history.
Every breakthrough in anthropology ignites a sense of anticipation and wonder. For instance, the case of Göbekli Tepe—an archaeological site initially overlooked in the 1960s but later recognized for its advanced architecture, prompting a reassessment of historical narratives.
Similarly, future artifact findings are poised to reshape our understanding of the past. The hope is that such discoveries will be shared openly with society, as knowledge of our history serves as a guiding light for navigating the complexities of our future.
