Astonishing artifacts: A glimpse into how people lived in the past

This statue covered in gold leaf and semiprecious stones may have been used in ancient Mesopotamian sunrise rituals.

This tapestry also contains one of the only known depictions of a horned Viking helmet.

A scarab beetle set in gold shows that ancient Egyptians thought the heart was the most important organ in the human body.

This tiny figurine may represent a mythical warrior maiden who assisted Odin, the Norse god of war.

This dog-shaped vessel was likely used for pouring wine, oil or blood in ancient rituals in what is now Italy.

A decorated duck egg discovered in a trash pit is the world's oldest "pysanka."

This little bear carved out of amber might have been an amulet for a Stone Age hunter.

Over five millennia ago, Stone Age people in Central Europe crafted wooden handles for their stone tools.

This tiny bird sculpture was created 40,000 years ago by early humans in Europe who carved the key animals in their lives.

The Tumaco-Tolita people, who lived in an area rich in natural gold, crafted intricate and delicate metal objects until the group disappeared 1,500 years ago.