26,000-year-old Dolní Věstonice portrait head: The world's oldest surviving human portrait

26,000-Year-Old Carved Portrait Head Offers Glimpse of Prehistoric Life (Image: Social Media)

A tiny portrait, carved from mammoth ivory, is revealing insights into the distant past. Discovered in the Czech Republic, it is believed to be the world’s oldest surviving personal portrait, dating back 26,000 years.

A Prehistoric Masterpiece

The Dolní Věstonice portrait head is exceptional. Carved from mammoth ivory, it measures just 1.9 inches tall. This miniature sculpture, found in the South Moravian region, appears to depict a woman’s face. It features detailed eyes, a dimpled chin, and raised nose and mouth. The sculpture may even show her wearing an updo or hat. Unlike many other ancient figures, this one appears individualised, marking it as a specific person.

Unearthing the Past at Dolní Věstonice

Dolní Věstonice, near the Czech Republic’s southern border, was once home to mammoth hunters. The settlement has yielded tens of thousands of artefacts over the years. In 1949, archaeologists found a middle-aged woman’s skeleton, buried with fox teeth and red ochre. Forensic studies later revealed a striking resemblance between her face and the ivory carving. The likeness includes a notable asymmetry in her left eye.

A Glimpse into Early Human Creativity

Dolní Věstonice is known for its Late Gravettian period artefacts. The site is also home to some of the earliest kiln-fired pottery in Europe. This little ivory head, however, stands as the earliest known personal portrait in the world. Visitors can explore these ancient relics at the Anthropos Pavilion in Brno, Czech Republic.