Discuss the possible cultural significance of Woman (sometimes called Venus of Willendorf). Answer: The ideal response would include the following:

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

1. Like other, similar statuettes, Woman may have had a ritual purpose. Its exaggerated breasts and belly and clearly delineated genitals support a connection to fertility and childbearing. The statuette was originally painted in red ocher, suggestive of menses.
2. According to archaeologist Clive Gamble, such figures might have served as a form of nonverbal communication among groups, serving as signs of the friendly intent of the hunters bearing them.
3. The fact that female figurines vastly outnumber males in the Paleolithic era suggests that women played a central role in Paleolithic culture. In fact, Paleolithic culture may have been matrilineal (in which descent is determined through the female line) and matrilocal (in which residence is in the female’s tribe or household).