SAEDNEWS: This small, unassuming lump of clay could be a prehistoric masterpiece—an artifact that seems centuries ahead of its time.
According to the Saed News society service, this small, simple lump of clay might be a prehistoric masterpiece—an artifact seemingly created centuries ahead of its time. The 3.7-centimeter figurine was discovered at an archaeological site in northern Palestine, near the Sea of Galilee. Dating back more than 12,000 years, archaeologists have recently unearthed it from the soil.
Although worn and smoothed by the passage of time, researchers believe the original shape depicted a gazelle embracing a woman. If this interpretation is correct, the figurine would represent the oldest known artwork illustrating interaction between humans and animals—a concept previously thought to have emerged much later, during the Neolithic period. The figurine also stands as the earliest naturalistic representation of a woman in the region.
But the story goes even deeper. Analysis reveals the figurine was crafted with remarkable skill and precision. The prehistoric artist shaped it from local clay and then fired it at around 400 degrees Celsius, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of fire and thermal technology.
![A Glimpse into the Remarkable Eyes of a Mother and Her Son with a Rare Genetic Disorder [Photos]](https://en.saednews.com/storage/files/post/4801cead-a792-468f-ad86-6bd7b1b4f620-qO9sB4I55elKv4g3/1x1-image.jpg)
