nged in size from 3.7 to 40 centimeters in length (Eller 134).
The unique features that have been highlighted by the scholars are the large breasts and hips, which accentuate the features of fertility. While some of these tiny statuettes are carved to resemble ordinary women, others possess the appearance of pregnant mothers with their swollen bellies (Baring and Cashford 6). The analysis of the physical appearance of these figurines has triggered tremendous conflict among scholars. Although archaeologists and feminists concede that some of the figurines depict pregnant women, many others that have been considered to be pregnant are simply images of fat women. Furthermore, the thin Venuses are often ignored in the analysis of these figurines (Eller 134).
In addition, many of the figurines are painted with red ochre that has been regarded by many scholars as the symbol of "life-giving blood" (Baring and Cashford 6). This interpretation of the presence of red ochre has also been used to reinforce the conception of women as goddesses of fertility.
Furthermore, certain critical features such as the faces, arms and feet are often missing or incorporated without much detail in these statuettes (Baring and Cashford 6). Once again, the absence of these features has also heightened the scholar's attention on the exaggerated body parts of the statuettes, such as the breasts, bellies and buttocks.
The following paragraphs offer a more detailed analysis of some of the famous figurines.
The "Venus of Lespugue" typifies the accentuation of the breasts, hips and buttocks on the statuettes. With a thin and elongated head and a flat upper chest, the statuette draws attention to the parts of the body that revolve around birthing. Her breasts, buttocks and thighs are disproportionately larger than the rest of the body. According to Baring and Cashford, the ten lines carved from under her buttocks to the back of her knees project the imag...