Fertility Symbol Collection

Maternity figure, possibly Afo, Nigeria, 19th century (wood)
HSC104256 Maternity figure, possibly Afo, Nigeria, 19th century (wood); 70x30x31 cm; Horniman Museum, London, UK; Photo © Heini Schneebeli

Female Figure of the Kilia Type, c. 2800-2200 BC (marble)
1077640 Female Figure of the Kilia Type, c. 2800-2200 BC (marble); 14.3 cm; J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA

Three-headed snake (wood)
DND111520 Three-headed snake (wood) by Indian School; Mumbai, India; Dinodia

The Venus of Willendorf, 30000-25000 BC (limestone coloured with red ochre)
XAM54144 The Venus of Willendorf, 30000-25000 BC (limestone coloured with red ochre) by Prehistoric; H:11cm cm; Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria; (add.info.: Female figurine)

The Venus of Willendorf, side view, c.30000-18000 BC (limestone coloured with red ochre)
XAM54145 The Venus of Willendorf, side view, c.30000-18000 BC (limestone coloured with red ochre) by Prehistoric; height: 11 cm; Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna

Figurine of a nude woman, known as the Venus of Sarab, from Tappeh Sarab, Iran
BOO178053 Figurine of a nude woman, known as the Venus of Sarab, from Tappeh Sarab, Iran, c.6th millennium BC (clay) by Prehistoric; 3.75x3.45 cm; National Museum of Iran, Tehran

Baboon statuette, from the Hierakonpolis Temple, Main Deposit, early Dynastic Period
FIT282581 Baboon statuette, from the Hierakonpolis Temple, Main Deposit, early Dynastic Period, 1st-2nd Dynasty (glazed faience) (see also 113908) by Egyptian; height: 8 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum

Artemis of Ephesus (bronze & alabaster)
ALG156566 Artemis of Ephesus (bronze & alabaster) by Roman, (2nd century AD); Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples, Campania, Italy; out of copyright

A Hamar woman in the village square of Dimeka. Married women wear two heavy steel necklaces. This woman wears an extra necklace with steel a steel phallic symbol which identifies her as a first wife

Female figurine known as the Venus of Willendorf, side view detail of torso, Gravettian culture
XAM93777 Female figurine known as the Venus of Willendorf, side view detail of torso, Gravettian culture, Upper Palaeolithic Period

Three views of a Venus statuette, from the Rideaux Cave, Lespugue, Haute-Garonne
XIR166320 Three views of a Venus statuette, from the Rideaux Cave, Lespugue, Haute-Garonne (ivory) (b/w photo) by Prehistoric; 14.5x6 cm; Musee des Antiquites Nationales, St

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The concept of fertility has been depicted and revered throughout history, transcending time and cultures. From the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, England, UK to the intricate wood carving of a three-headed snake, these symbols have captivated our imagination. One such symbol is The Venus of Willendorf, a limestone figurine colored with red ochre dating back to 30000-25000 BC. This ancient artifact showcases the importance placed on fertility during prehistoric times. Its side view reveals its voluptuous form and serves as a testament to the celebration of femininity. Traveling across continents, we find ourselves in Australasia's New Zealand where a Maori statue stands proudly in Hamilton's Waikato Region. This representation pays homage to their cultural beliefs surrounding fertility and life-giving forces. Venturing further eastward brings us to Tappeh Sarab in Iran where the Venus of Sarab resides. This nude woman figurine holds significance within Iranian culture as it embodies their reverence for female fertility. Moving towards Egypt's Hierakonpolis Temple during the early Dynastic Period, we encounter a baboon statuette that symbolizes procreation and abundance. These artifacts were cherished by ancient Egyptians who believed they held divine powers related to fertility. In Ephesus, Greece lies Artemis' temple adorned with bronze and alabaster statues representing this goddess of childbirth and protector of women. These sculptures stand as reminders of her influence over reproductive health. Closer home in Dimeka village square among Ethiopia's Hamar tribe, we witness an embodiment of their strong connection with nature's cycles through vibrant rituals celebrating fertility rites. Returning once more to The Venus of Willendorf but this time focusing on its detailed torso from Gravettian culture provides insight into how even small aspects can hold profound meaning when it comes to honoring life-giving abilities. Lastly, Lespugue's Rideaux Cave houses a Venus statuette from Haute-Garonne, France.