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Statuette of a Comic Actor: A 2,000-year-old depiction of a Roman actor letting one ripThe ancient Romans had a soft spot for physical comedy (aka fart jokes), as exemplified by a bronze figurine of a comic actor.
romans -
Pawnee Star Chart: A precontact elk-skin map used by Indigenous priests to tell an origin storyThe unique map depicts patterns of stars in the night sky, but its meaning is debated.
7 Commentsarchaeology -
Kneeling Bull: A 5,000-year-old hybrid creature from Iran with a mysterious purposeThis silver bull figurine posing in a human-like manner may have been buried in a ritual to mark a temple boundary 5,000 years ago.
8 Commentsmiddle-east -
Haniwa Dancers: 1,500-year-old ghostly figurines thought to hold the souls of the deadTwo cylindrical clay sculptures may represent dancers who performed at a funeral 1,500 years ago.
archaeology -
Malia Bee Pendant: A 3,800-year-old accessory found in a Minoan 'pit of gold'This extremely detailed depiction of insects holds clues to the natural world of the ancient Minoans.
8 Commentsarchaeology -
Pazuzu figurine: An ancient statue of the Mesopotamian 'demon' god who inspired 'The Exorcist'Statues of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu are often found at archaeological sites, and his cultural relevance is seen in recent comparisons to creepy-looking Labubu dolls.
middle-east -
Sabu Disk: A mysterious 5,000-year-old Egyptian stone sculpture that looks like a hubcapThis unique disk-shaped bowl, found in a 5,000-year-old Egyptian tomb, has puzzled archaeologists for nearly a century.
17 Commentsancient-egyptians -
Hornelund Brooches: Viking age gold ornaments mysteriously buried in Denmark 1,000 years agoTwo brooches from Denmark are unique examples of Viking Age goldwork that includes Christian and Norse designs.
2 Commentsvikings -
Meskalamdug's Helmet: One of the world's oldest helmets depicts a Mesopotamian prince's man bunThis 15-karat gold helmet was discovered in a royal tomb at Ur, but it may only have been worn for ceremonial purposes.
middle-east
