The series of 30 bone female figurines is the most
significant in the Malta collection. Such female figurines , the earliest samples of
ancient plastic art, are frequently found in the palaeolithic monuments of Europe. It is
accepted to name them " palaeolithic Venuses ". The finds in Siberia
considerably differ from European proportions and treatments. The figurines from Malta are
subdivided into 2 large groups:1. The most of figurines from Siberia against European
analogs are thin, i.e. they have the long and narrow body proportions, the exactly marked
faces and hairs. Some small-sized figurines are covered by continuous ornament, which,
probably, marks a fur wear.
2. Some figurines are of the "European" type, with a massive body, with
intentionally thicken belt and loin parts. A curving of the body in a belt part is
characteristic of them. They seems to be in the half-sedentary pose, that also pulls them
together with the European " palaeolithic Venuses "
