During these challenging times, we could all benefit from a smile, so I would like to present the oldest smile in the world: the Mannetje van Willemstad (the little man from Willemstad, Netherlands).
The #Mesolithic figurine, dating about 5400 BC, was carved in oak wood. Its intended purpose remains uncertain, prompting consideration of whether it served a ritualistic function or perhaps as a doll.

Height 12.5 cm.

On display at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden.

📷 me

#archaeology

Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

+INFO in: https://archaeoethnologica.blogspot.com/2025/11/documenta-praehistorica-n-52-2025.html

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Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

+INFO in: https://archaeoethnologica.blogspot.com/2025/11/documenta-praehistorica-n-52-2025.html

#Archaeology #Prehistory #Protohistory #mesolithic #neolithic #BronzeAge #IronAge #paleogenetics #NearEast #Europe #art #diseases #materialculture #journals #openaccess

Archaeoethnologica: Documenta Praehistorica Nº 52 - 2025

+INFO in: https://archaeoethnologica.blogspot.com/2025/11/documenta-praehistorica-n-52-2025.html

#Archaeology #Prehistory #Protohistory #mesolithic #neolithic #BronzeAge #IronAge #paleogenetics #NearEast #Europe #art #diseases #materialculture #journals #openaccess