And the report from the Los Angeles Times/Washington Post news SErvice indicates carbon dating was used. Here's a quote:

"Radiocarbon dating indicates that the figurines are between 32,000 and 34,000 years old, making them the earliest known examples of figurative art."

I still would like to know the direct connection between the carbon dating dates and the people who made the figurines. It may be inferred in this next bit from the article:

"No skeletons were found in the cave near the objects, but other artifacts suggest that they were made by humans, not by Neanderthals, who still lives in the area at the time..."

Edit: Thanks, Bingley, for that link! Terrific to get to see a couple of the figures. I've copied the photographs to my photograph file!