Category Archives: Venus Figurine

The Beginning

Seven years ago, my imagination opened a portal to an ancient landscape.  Layers of time peeled away, and I was thrust into the consciousness of one who had lived in a time and place now lost to memory.   This Neanderthal man and the epic adventures that make up his life’s story may be fictional, but as I write his experiences it feels as though I am recording actual history, rather than composing a literary work.  Bringing to life the peoples and cultures of Ice Age Eurasia has enthralled and inspired me, and I can’t help but think I will miss being immersed in their world when the series is complete.

Find Dreamer Books: An Ice Age Saga here!

About the Author here!

Reader Reviews here!

(Header image credits: book cover photo by Paula Kugerud Photography, Venus figurine pendant and lithics by Neanderthal Joe. Header photo and blog photo by E. A. Meigs)

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Neanderthal Joe Brings Ancient Skills to Life

Levallois Cores by Neanderthal Joe

The realm of Paleoanthropology is a relatively small one, therefore those of us immersed in this field often know one another, at least by name. I have followed many such experts over the decades, but it’s not often you find one who not only delves into the science, but also explores the practicalities and skills needed by early humans as they struggled to survive in a harsh world.

Mousterian blade on a centripetal core.

For the last ten years, Neanderthal Joe (AKA, Joe Lawlor) has made a study of the Neanderthal.  During this time, Neanderthal Joe has put his knowledge to good use and taught himself how to knap stone, haft knapped stone to spears shafts and handles, made useable items from animal pelts and hides, created Venus figurines, made cordage, glues, distilled birch bark tar and oil, practiced several methods of making fire, and much, much more – all using authentic primitive tools and techniques.  Neanderthal Joe’s works have found homes with collectors all over the world.  Some of his lithics can be seen on display on display at the Etta C. Ross Memorial Library Museum in Blue Earth, MN.

Neanderthal tools racloir, hand-axe, Levallois core. (Made from cobble of Georgetown flint by Neanderthal Joe.)
Mousterian blades, Joe’s replica (r) compared to an authentic Mousterian blade (l) made by a Neanderthal 60-70 thousand years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

Neanderthal Joe shares his passion for learning about our ancient ancestors with his followers. (A list of his platforms will be included at the end of this post.) You can watch some of his many YouTube videos (below), to get an idea of the scope of his work.

Video showcasing a Neanderthal tool kit.

Neanderthal Joe’s “Venus of Antler River”.

Spears made by Neanderthal Joe.

 

Venus figurine.

Again, these images and videos give just an inkling of Neanderthal Joe’s body of work and he is constantly adding to this impressive portfolio. If you are interested in ancient life skills and paleoanthropology, check out his platforms; he provides valuable insight into the lives of our ancestors.


It’s always gratifying to receive a reader review of my books, but especially so when the reviewer has Neanderthal Joe’s level of expertise on the Neanderthal and the details of their lives.  A while ago, Neanderthal Joe very generously submitted a review of my first three books. (When I wrote to say thank you, I took the opportunity to ask his permission to do a blog about him and he kindly agreed!) I had to edit his review to fit into the Reader Review page format, so here it is, in it’s entirety.

As someone that struggles at keeping focus while reading, this series has been an absolute trip! I knew it was a great series when I finished the first book in 3 days (something that is rare for me); the entire time I was reading book one I was “on my toes” excited for the next page and the next chapter, the characters are very likeable and are very relatable. The story is captivating and keeps the reader drawn in, the story is not the typical point A to point B story it is a well thought out TRUE ice age adventure! When I come home from work instead of settling down and hopping on a game or mindlessly watching tv I now open a new chapter from the book anticipating where the adventures of Tris, Black Wolf and Tor goes. I am very excited to see where the wonderful author takes the series and will continue to read. Thank you for making a beautifully crafted story with elements from the real world. While reading you can picture the characters on their journey and that is better than any tv show or movie.
If a real world Neanderthal recommends this series that should be the sign that you should check it out from Neanderthal Joe!

Find Neanderthal Joe on these platforms

Neanderthal Joe on Minds

Neanderthal Joe on TikTok

Neanderthal Joe’s Esty Shop

Facebook Group: Neanderthals and the Middle Paleolithic 

Neanderthal Joe’s Facebook Shop 

Neanderthal Joe on Instagram

All images and videos are created by and used with the permission of Neanderthal Joe (Joe Lawlor).

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Earth Mamas or Hot Mamas?

Venus figurines have been discovered throughout much of Eurasia, most dating between 11,000 to 40,000 BCE*.  These saucy ladies have been the subject of much study and conjecture.  Were they fertility symbols? Some sort of Mother Earth/Mother Nature goddesses? Or were they merely meant to depict womanhood in full flower (so to speak); a visual testimony to the artist’s admiration for the female form in all her glory? We can only guess, but it is fun to speculate on the motive(s) and mindset(s) of their creators.

*BCE = Before Common Era

(Venus Figurine in header by Neanderthal Joe)

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