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Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography

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Obesity in the paleolithic era.

Laszlo G Jozsa¹

¹Department of Pathology, National Institute of Traumatology, Budapest, Hungary. jozsalg@gmail.hu

Hormones (Athens, Greece)

|October 18, 2011

Summary

Upper Paleolithic figurines reveal diverse female body types, with over half depicting overweight or obese individuals, challenging the fertility-focused interpretation of Venus idols.

Area of Science:

Paleoanthropology
Archaeology
Art History

Background:

The Upper Paleolithic period (45,000-40,000 to 10,000 BP) is known for its portable art, including numerous female figurines often termed 'Venus' idols.
These artifacts are frequently interpreted as symbols of fertility and reproduction.

Observation:

A study analyzed 100 Upper Paleolithic statues, focusing on 97 female figurines from multiple views.
Body types varied, with 24 figurines representing slender individuals, 15 normal weight, and 51 overweight or obese.
Specific fat distribution patterns were noted, including steatopygia (excessive buttocks fat) in 7 figurines, independent of overall body weight.

Findings:

Over half of the studied female figurines depicted overweight or obese body types, with significant fat deposition in various areas like the belly, hips, buttocks, and femora.

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Only seven figurines showed signs of advanced pregnancy, contradicting the common assumption that all Venus idols represent fertility.

Steatopygia was observed in some figurines that were otherwise not significantly overweight, suggesting a specific aesthetic or cultural emphasis.

Implications:

The diversity in body representation suggests that Upper Paleolithic figurines may have served multiple symbolic purposes beyond fertility, potentially including social status, health, or aesthetic ideals.
Rethinking the interpretation of Venus figurines is necessary, moving beyond a singular focus on reproduction to encompass a broader range of meanings.
The prevalence of diverse body types in Upper Paleolithic art offers insights into the perceptions and values of ancient societies regarding the female form.