In the Paleolithic era, Homo-sapiens relied on hunting and gathering as their main source of food. They utilized tools like the nd axe, chisel, arrow and spearhead, and grinder to improve their abilities. These tools were also used in creating sculptures such as the Venus of Willendorf, an artwork that depicted a perfect female form. Nevertheless, modern society's concept of beauty has greatly deviated from this ancient masterpiece.
The limestone statue discovered in present-day Austria, estimated to be from approximately 22,000 to 21,000 BCE, measures approximately four to five inches in length. It portrays a female figure with exaggerated breasts denoting her ability to nourish her child adequately. Moreover, the substantial belly symbolizes her capacity to provide warmth and heat for herself, her child, and her partner - an essential factor for survival during that era. Furthermore, the sculptur
...e's depiction of broad hips supports its connection with childbirth while the clearly defined genitals suggest heightened fertility.
During the Paleolithic era, female figurines outnumbered their male counterparts due to the influential spiritual and religious roles women held. In contemporary society, there exists a distorted perception of beauty where being thin is deemed desirable. Consequently, women have internalized the notion that being thinner equates to being superior. The modern world idolizes Barbie dolls as the epitome of flawlessness and beauty, so much so that certain individuals undergo surgical procedures in an attempt to resemble them. This circumstance ultimately compels us to interrogate how society arrived at this juncture.
The women featured on today's magazine covers would be considered unwanted or outcasts if they were seen by Paleolithic culture. Not only would they
struggle to survive the winter months without ample body fat to insulate their organs, but they would also face difficulty giving birth and supporting a child amidst the harsh weather conditions. However, body fat can serve as a source of energy during periods of food scarcity, aiding in the functioning of the body and the quest for sustenance.
Fat, often deemed as negative by contemporary women, plays a vital role in producing nourishing breast milk for the growth and weight gain of a mother's child. Additionally, it generates heat, which becomes crucial in adverse weather conditions by preventing illness and potential fatality both for the mother and her child. If the mother were to pass away, the child would be deprived of nourishment and eventually succumb to starvation. Hence, emphasizing another reason to recognize the beneficial nature of fat. Furthermore, in today's society, women resort to various unnatural methods for weight loss. These methods include hormone-altering pills, perilous surgeries leading to potential harm or death, and treatments that can alter one's personality and mental state.
The Venus of Willendorf embodies both beauty and natural health. Current beauty standards, portrayed on magazine covers and in stores, offer false representations of true beauty. These ideals contribute to a hazardous and unhealthy society, as people choose to jeopardize their lives and well-being in order to lose weight. Today's society perceives women who are natural and healthy as overweight, leading to potential mental health issues due to discrimination they face regularly. It is crucial for us to examine the past and understand the real essence of beauty, in order to embrace it and work with it.
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