Gravettian Anthropomorphic Figurines : Female Representations as an Analytical Category
A question never asked is whether female representations constitute a discrete, natural category of analysis. I find it troubling that associated imagery, and its relationship to female representations is seldom examined. It is noteworthy that in every region in which female figurines exist in the Gravettian there are accompanying representations of other subjects, from animal to geometric; and these vary greatly by region. To my knowledge, the only scholar to have addressed this question with respect to female figurines is Henri Delporte, who notes an association in Siberia between images of women and birds; and in France between women and bison.
