The Brenz Region The Caves and Stone Age Art of the Brenz Region The Brenz region has achieved world wide recognition for its many important archaeological discoveries stemming from the Aurignacian period. The oldest known sculptures and musical instruments in Europe were discovered in caves located in the districts of Heidenheim and Alb-Donau. THE ORIGIN OF THE LION MAN A very special Brenz region discovery was made in the cave Hohlenstein-Stadel near Asselfingen in the valley of Lone. It was the discovery of the approximately 30 centimeter tall Lion man or »Löwenmensch« sculpture. The stone age masterwork carved from a mammoth tusk is the oldest known sculpture combining both human and animal attributes. The fantastic form of the Lion man is a truly unique relic that shines a light on the spiritual-religious contemplations of our earliest ancestors. (Illustration right: Höhlenstein Stadel / Lion man) THE OLDEST LITTLE HORSE IN THE WORLD The most famous stone age cave of the Brenz region today is the Vogelherd near Niederstotzingen. The cave was discovered in 1931 and subsequently researched by Tübingen archaeologist Gustav Riek. From the dozen small sculptures unearthed, the most notable is the Vogelherd horse. This exquisite piece carved from ivory is only 4.8 centimeters in length but with its gracefully curved neck and rounded elegant form it impressively reflects both the craftsmanship and artistic ability of early humans. (Illustration right: Vogelherd / Little horse) Bison Mammoth Rhinoceros or bear THE CONCERT HALL OF THE AURIGNACIAN The Brenz region and surroundings are an area in which the oldest known sculptures and musical instruments known to man have been discovered. The discoveries illuminate the impressive multifaceted cultural world of our earliest stone age ancestors as well as show that 35,000 years ago the Swabian Alb was among the most important occupation areas in central Europe. (Illustration right: Geissenklösterle / Flute crafted from swan bone) Bison Bear Mammoth MASTERPIECES OF STONE AGE ART The Geissenklösterle and Hohle Fels caves in the Ach valley, situated between Schelklingen and Blaubeuren, have also adduced Ivory figures from the Aurignacian period. While sculptures of a bear standing upright, bison, mammoth and human are finds originating from the Geissenklösterle cave, over the past few years at the Hohle Fels cave, a horses head, water bird as well as the discovery of a miniature version of the Hohlenstein-Stadel lion man have also been made. The exiting spectrum of Geissenklösterle cave discoveries has since been widened with the addition of three flutes, that with an age of around 35,000 years represent the oldest known musical instruments found on Earth. (Illustration right: Hohle Fels / Water bird) Miniature lion-man Horses head