The Woman of Willendorf - Essay Example

A complete lack of modern convenience and uncertain food supplies resulted in a brief lifespan of 25-30 years for these people. The harshness of life may also explain some of the features of the Woman of Willendorf. All of the parts of a female’s external anatomy that deal with childbirth feeding are greatly exaggerated. The breasts on the figurine are massive in relation to the rest of the body proportions. The vulva is depicted in greater detail than any other portion of the body. In addition to this emphasis, the entire body appears to be overweight by modern standards (Seshadri, 2012).

A large, round belly is a prominent feature of the figurine. Other parts of the figurine are obscured. The figurine has no facial features and is devoid of feet. Many have speculated that this figurine is perhaps the ideal woman for the Paleolithic Age (Suleiman, 1986). Large breasts and vulva hint at the ability to reproduce and sustain life. The rotund belly may indicate health and perhaps even prosperity (DiGeorgio-Lutz, 2002). Not as much has been made of the lack of facial features and feet.

Perhaps these were omitted because the reproductive ability was the real focus of the artist that made the figurine.