15,000-Year-Old Venus of Schweizersbild Returns to Schaffhausen After Historic Decision

A rare 15,000-year-old figurine is moving from Basel to Schaffhausen after a formal request last year. Known as the Venus of Schweizersbild, the artefact holds deep cultural significance for the region. Authorities have now approved its transfer following a lengthy review.

The small abstract female figure was carved with flint tools during the Magdalenian period, around 15,000–12,700 BCE. It was unearthed in 1891 by quarry workers at Schweizersbild, a prehistoric hunting site near Schaffhausen. Alongside the figurine, archaeologists found flints, bone tools, animal remains, and other similar carvings.

The artefact was donated to Basel's Museum der Kulturen roughly 60 years ago by Willi Mamber. Despite its long stay in Basel, officials stress that this transfer is not about returning unlawfully acquired property. Instead, it recognises the figurine's importance to Schaffhausen's heritage. In 2023, Schaffhausen formally asked for the Venus of Schweizersbild to be returned. After careful consideration, the Basel government granted final approval for the move. The piece is now set to return to the region where it was originally discovered.

The Venus of Schweizersbild will soon be displayed in Schaffhausen, marking its return after more than a century away. As one of Switzerland's most important Stone Age artefacts, it will now take its place among the cultural treasures of its home canton. The transfer follows a decision based on heritage significance rather than legal disputes.