Which ancient piece represents the cultural significance of fecundity in Stone Age art?

The Venus of Willendorf exemplifies the cultural significance of fecundity in Stone Age art through its exaggerated features, particularly the breasts and hips. This statuette, discovered in Austria and dating back to around 25,000 years ago, is widely interpreted as a representation of fertility and the female form. The emphasis on these features likely reflects a society that valued fecundity, possibly due to the challenges of survival during the Paleolithic era. Such imagery may have served as a form of fertility idol or symbol, celebrating reproduction and the continuation of life, which were critical for early human communities.

In contrast, the other pieces listed, while significant in their own right, do not share this specific focus on fecundity. The Great Sphinx, for example, is more associated with the representation of strength and protection rather than fertility. Mycerinus and His Queen captures royal status and reverence but does not specifically highlight fertility themes. Finally, Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt illustrates hunting and social status, absent the direct connection to fecundity represented by the Venus of Willendorf. This focus on the female figure as an embodiment of fertility makes the Venus of Willendorf a key artifact in understanding the values and beliefs of Stone Age societies.