During the Upper Palaeolithic, people would often set up their camps in cave entrances. However, they did not usually stay there for long. People would migrate over long distances following the rhythm of the seasons in order to make the best use of raw materials and food opportunities.
All the while, they were repeatedly exposed to danger, as they shared their habitat with threatening neighbours. On the one hand caves offered protection from the elements, on the other hand cave bears, lived within the deeper recesses. When standing, they could reach a height of up to 3.5 metres. Only during hibernation was it less risky for humans to be in the same cave as a bear. Conversely, this could pose a danger to the sleeping, and thus weakened, cave bear. The animal served not only as a source of meat, fur and leather, but also as a model for Ice Age art.
One example of this is the small bear figurine from Geißenklösterle. It was found in eleven parts in the entrance area of the cave and has subsequently been re-assembled. However, although the figure was not completely preserved, it has been reconstructed for the exhibition. Initially, it was interpreted as being aggressive, since the animal appears very impressive and frightening in full size., yet the representations of the bear in other cultures, such as the Inuit, shows that bears also have a peaceful and playful side. The reconstructed figure, which assumes an almost dancing posture, is reminiscent of this.
But we can’t be quite sure. What does the figure look like to you?
