A small stone sculpture discovered in northern France is shedding fresh light on the origins of realistic early human art. Measuring less than an inch tall, the 27,000-year-old artifact features a clearly defined human face—an extraordinary level of detail for its time.
Archaeologists found the carved head at the Amiens-Renancourt 1 site, located west of Amiens. The sculpture is made from soft chalk and includes precise facial features such as eyes, nose, and rounded cheeks. It also appears to wear a decorative band or headpiece marked with multiple patterns. Researchers say this is a rare and early example of realistic human representation in prehistoric Europe.
The team behind the find, led by Clément Paris of the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, published their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. The carving not only adds to the understanding of ancient European art, but also challenges the assumption that lifelike human features only appeared much later in history.
Ancient sculpture offers rare glimpse of realism in prehistoric art
The sculpture was unearthed in 2021 during a planned excavation at a site known for its rich collection of prehistoric artifacts. The area, which has been under study since 2013, has produced numerous female figurines from what experts call the Gravettian period, dating from roughly 33,000 to 22,000 years ago.
Until now, most of the figures found here either lacked heads or had only simple shapes where the face would be. This latest discovery stands apart for its clear and realistic carving. Despite its small size—only 21 millimeters in height and weighing just over 4 grams—the detail is striking.
The sculpture was recovered from a well-preserved archaeological layer, allowing experts to confirm its age with accuracy. The surrounding soil also contained tools, traces of fire pits, and other cultural materials. Scientists used multiple dating methods, including radiocarbon analysis, to confirm that the object is between 27,200 and 27,800 years old.
New questions about early human expression
Researchers believe the sculpture marks an important step in the evolution of human creativity. While symbolic art had already existed for thousands of years, lifelike facial features were thought to emerge much later.
This carving suggests otherwise. It shows signs of careful craftsmanship, with subtle asymmetry and refined shaping that hint at intentional design rather than simple decoration. Experts believe this may signal a shift in how early humans represented themselves and others in art.
The material itself—chalk—is soft and delicate, making such detailed work difficult. That adds to the significance of the find, suggesting not only artistic skill but also a desire to depict the human form more clearly.
The sculpture is also notable for its context. Unlike earlier finds with unclear histories, this piece was discovered under modern conditions with controlled excavation methods. This allows researchers to better understand its significance and place it accurately within the broader history of human development.