15,000-Year-Old Female Figurine Returns to Schaffhausen After Historic Transfer

A 15,000-year-old female figurine is set to return to Schaffhausen after Basel-Stadt approved its transfer. The carved artefact, once part of Basel's Museum der Kulturen, holds deep cultural ties to the region where it was originally found. Schaffhausen had formally requested its return in 2023, citing its importance to local heritage.

The figurine was discovered at Schweizersbild, a prehistoric hunting site near Schaffhausen. First uncovered in the 1890s during quarrying, the area was later excavated by Swiss archaeologist Jakob Nüesch between 1896 and 1912. His work revealed Upper Paleolithic layers, including stone tools, bone artefacts, and signs of human habitation dating back roughly 12,000 years.

The site itself is linked to the Magdalenian culture, known for flint tools and jewellery. The figurine, an abstract female form, was carved using similar flint tools. It was donated to Basel's museum around 60 years ago by Willi Mamber. Basel's government stressed that this transfer is not about restituting unlawfully obtained property. Instead, the decision was based on the artefact's historical significance to Schaffhausen. The figurine is now seen as a cornerstone of the region's cultural identity.

The transfer marks the end of a formal request made by Schaffhausen in 2023. The figurine will return to its place of origin, where it was first unearthed over a century ago. Its presence will strengthen the connection between the artefact and the region's prehistoric past.