Variability of mammoth images in Paleolithic art

The most characteristic traits of mammoth images in Paleolithic art are the outlines of the front end and uppermost parts of the animal. As a rule the actual contour of the mammoth body was hidden to a considerable degree by a thick hair cover that influenced the features of images. The variability of mammoth images, on the one hand, appears to depend on the kinds of art techniques (painting, engraving, sculpture) and peculiarities of the regional, local or even personal style. On the other hand, this variability also may have resulted from the individual exterior of portrayed animals that differed in age, sex, or condition.