12,000-Year-Old Figurine Near Galilee Reveals Earliest Human–Animal Bond

High above the Sea of Galilee, in the heart of Israel’s ancient landscape, archaeologists have unearthed a discovery of profound historical and cultural importance a 12,000-year-old clay figurine depicting the earliest known human-animal interaction ever found.

Excavated from the prehistoric site of Nahal Ein Gev II (NEG II), the artifact offers an extraordinary window into the symbolic and spiritual life of a people on the cusp of monumental change. Crafted with surprising sophistication, the figurine features a woman gently interacting with a goose a moment captured not in the context of hunting, but possibly of reverence or ritual.

Led by Dr. Laurent Davin and Professors Leore Grosman and Natalie Munro of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the research team revealed that the figurine was made from clay and hardened using controlled fire at temperatures of 400°C showcasing an early use of pyrotechnology. Measuring just 3.7 centimeters tall, it includes a preserved artisan’s fingerprint and traces of red pigment on both the woman and the goose subtle yet powerful clues to its ceremonial significance.

This discovery, published in the prestigious journal PNAS, positions Israel as the origin of the world’s earliest naturalistic representation of a woman in Southwest Asia, as well as the earliest symbolic depiction of human-animal connection.

The Natufian culture, to which this find is attributed, existed between 15,000 and 11,500 years ago and represents a turning point in human history transitioning from nomadic foraging to early forms of settled community life. The figurine, found near a semicircular stone structure containing burials and ceremonial remains, offers evidence that these early people not only began building homes but also complex symbolic worlds.

Far more than a simple object, the NEG II figurine reveals that these early inhabitants of the Land of Israel were already experimenting with narrative, symbolism, and spirituality — centuries before what most historians consider the beginning of civilization.

“The NEG II figurine captures a transformative moment,” said Prof. Grosman. “It bridges the world of mobile hunter-gatherers and that of the first settled communities, showing how imagination and symbolic thinking began to shape human culture.”

Birds, especially geese, were part of the Natufian diet but also held symbolic roles in their society. Feathers were used for decoration, and certain bones became ornaments. The choice to depict a goose alive, not as prey, adds depth to its meaning suggesting ritual, companionship, or even early mythological expression.

“This discovery is extraordinary on multiple levels,” said Dr. Davin. “Not only is this the world's earliest figurine depicting human-animal interaction, but it's also the earliest naturalistic representation of a woman found in Southwest Asia.”

Once again, the land of Israel offers profound insight into the roots of civilization. From ancient innovation to spiritual expression, these findings show the enduring centrality of this region to human history.

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