A remarkable discovery on a quiet Polish farm has turned out to be one of the country’s most extraordinary archaeological finds in decades — a limestone figurine dating back some 6,000 years.
Dubbed the “Venus of Kołobrzeg”, the small statue, which depicts a stylized female form, has been hailed by experts as the “find of the century.” It will now be displayed at the museum in Kołobrzeg, a city on Poland’s northern Baltic coast.
Measuring just 12 centimetres tall, the figurine was unearthed in December 2022 by a farmer in the village of Obroty, near Kołobrzeg. But only recently have researchers verified its authenticity and impressive age, placing it around the 5th millennium BC.
“I was informed that a local farmer had found an object resembling a human figure while working,” said Jan Orliński, head of a local historical society, in an interview with National Geographic.
Orliński’s team determined that the object was indeed crafted by human hands and likely served as a symbol of fertility. It was then handed over to the regional heritage conservator, who collaborated with the Polish Arms Museum in Kołobrzeg to establish its historical context.
“I can confidently say this is the find of the century,” declared the museum’s director, Aleksander Ostasz. “What has been unearthed is truly exceptional — it expands our understanding of Kołobrzeg’s ancient history in an extraordinary way.”
In an official statement, the museum emphasized that the figurine is unique in Poland, where no similar artifact has ever been uncovered. Experts believe it was created by some of the region’s earliest farmers who settled along the nearby Parsęta River.
“The stylized design of the Kołobrzeg Venus shows remarkable artistic skill. Despite its simplicity, it stands out for its aesthetic quality and clear depiction of feminine features,” the museum noted.
Venus figurines like this one, found across Europe, are generally believed to have had ritual or symbolic roles, often connected to fertility and femininity.
Closer examination has revealed subtle smoothing on the statue’s curves — especially around the breasts and hips — suggesting it was handled or used repeatedly. The figurine’s flat back indicates it may have been displayed upright or fixed to a base.
The Kołobrzeg City Museum, a branch of the Polish Arms Museum, is now preparing to present the Venus as part of its permanent exhibition — making it one of the oldest artifacts ever showcased there.
For context, the oldest known Venus figurine in Europe is the Venus of Hohle Fels, discovered in Germany in 2008 and dated to about 41,000 years ago. Another iconic example is the Venus of Willendorf, found in Austria in 1908 and estimated to be around 30,000 years old.
