ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Anthropomorphic wooden cult figurines of Central and Northern Europe

Anthropomorphic wooden cult figurines are like special toys that people in central and northern Europe used to play with. These figurines are made of wood and shaped like little people with arms and legs. They were made thousands of years ago by people who lived in those areas.

Back then, people believed in gods and goddesses who controlled everything in the world. They thought these gods and goddesses would help them if they gave them special toys or figurines as gifts. So people made these little wooden figures and gave them to the gods and goddesses to ask for good luck or to say thank you for helping them.

People also thought that these little wooden figures had powers of their own. They believed that the gods and goddesses lived inside these figurines and that they could protect them from harm. They would often keep the figurines in special shrines or temples where they would pray to them and ask for good luck.

Today, these anthropomorphic wooden cult figurines are no longer used as toys or religious icons. Instead, they are studied by archaeologists and historians who try to learn more about the people who made them and the gods and goddesses they worshipped. They are also displayed in museums for people to learn about their unique history and cultural significance.