Shigir Idol discovered in the Urals continues to be a mystery

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The Shigir Idol, discovered in the Ural Mountains, stands as the most fascinating wooden artifact of the prehistoric world. With a history of 11,600 years, it holds the title of the oldest wooden statue.

In 1864, gold prospectors stumbled upon an extraordinary artifact in a peat bog in the Ural Mountains. They found a 5.3-meter tall human statue. Since that day, this monumental statue has captivated archaeologists and the public with its intricate human faces and motifs.

Prof. Dr. Çiler Çilingiroğlu from Ege University’s Department of Protohistory and Near Eastern Archaeology notes that experts still debate whether the Shigir Idol depicts a male or female figure, a forest spirit, or a supernatural being. In her article for Gazete Duvar, she shares valuable insights about the idol.

The Shigir Idol is special due to its monumental nature and its creation by hunter-gatherers during a time of sudden climate change.

The surface of the statue displays patterns of chevrons, zigzags, and simple linear shapes. Some suggest that the zigzag carvings resemble motifs found on a viper’s skin, indicating that people believed the idol possessed magical powers. Given its monumental size, the idol may serve a similar function to totems known from some Native American tribes, such as the Haida community in Canada.

Source: https://ancientist.com/2025/02/10/the-11600-year-old-shigir-idol-discovered-in-the-ural-mountains-continues-to-maintain-its-mystery/

[JazzGa 14,654]

I like the way they have it dramatically lit and displayed, it makes it look so mystical and powerful

[NickiMinajStan 6,894]

Skinny legend, OMG