Final answer:
The artifacts described as oval-shaped with large bellies and breasts, and missing arms and feet, are known as Venus figurines, significant in the study of Paleolithic sculpture and society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description provided in the question refers to Venus figurines, which are prehistoric artifacts characterized by their oval shape, prominent bellies, large breasts, and typically the absence of arms and feet. Venus figurines are an important type of Paleolithic sculpture, mainly found across Europe, Eurasia, and Siberia, and have been interpreted as possibly symbolizing fertility, mother goddesses, or other cultural significances. They are made from various materials such as stone, bone, ivory, and clay, and date back as early as 50,000 to 10,000 BCE. These figurines have shared stylistic features: an oval shape, a large belly, wide-set thighs, large breasts, and a typical absence of arms and feet, often also lacking detailed facial features but some with incised lines to suggest physical details.