Today, thousands of years after prehistoric times, it is very difficult to answer the question "What did people believe in?" Unlike the Greeks and Romans, prehistoric peoples left no written records for us. Sometimes, however, archaeologists discover figurines of humans or animals that may provide one of the keys to solving this mystery.

Statuettes from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods (6th and 5th millennia BC) were typically made of ceramics and depicted female figures schematically, without individual facial features. Scientists believe these figurines represented the Mother Goddess and were connected to fertility rituals – vital for ancient agricultural societies. They were sometimes decorated with various symbols. By the 5th millennium BC, female figurines made of bone, marble, and even gold began to appear.

During the Chalcolithic period, images featuring realistic male characteristics also became widespread. These may have represented important community members –possibly chieftains or priests.

Though less common, vessels shaped like humans or animals are particularly fascinating. Some feature impressive craftsmanship and decoration. These vessels were probably used to hold liquids for specific ritual ceremonies.