Prehistory is defined as the time period before there were written records of human existence. It is divided into the Paleolithic Era (approx. 40,000 BCE-8000 BCE) and the Neolithic Era (8,000 BCE-2,300 BCE).

Most of the art in the Paleolithic Era can be divided into three categories:
1. Cave paintings
2. Small stone objects with decorative designs or animal motifs
3. female statuettes

One of the most famous images in the study of art history is the Venus of Willendorf statuette found near Willendorf, Austria in 1908 by the archaeologist Josef Szombathy. Measuring no taller than 11 centimeters, this sculpture is characteristic of the group of statuettes found in Europe from France to Russia. These "venus figures" are all nude, lack facial features, arms, legs, and posess enlarged stomachs, breasts, and thighs. They are usually carved in stone or mammoth ivory, although a few have been found modled from baked clay. Most have been found in houses or homesites, leading art historians to believe these figures may have been worshipped as "mother goddesses" though this theory has been refuted since research has shown that organized religion in such societies (extrememly cold climates, hunter/gatherers) are rare. Another theory is the figures are fertility figures, used to promote fertility in women, vegetation, and animals. It could also be interpreted as representations of acutal women, or idealized beauty of the time.
Recently, art historians have renamed the Venus of Willendorf, "Woman from Willendorf," to view the work objectively and detach the figures from the idea of Venus, the Roman Goddess of love and beauty.

More female figures

Click to view an enlarged image.

Laussel Figure c. 20,000-18,000 BCE limestone height 43 cm Dordogne, France

Lespugue Figure Aurignacian-Perigordian Period limestone height 6 in Paris

Savignano Figure Aurignacian-Perigordian Period limestone height 22 cm Italy