Figs can start from seed but need to be wasp pollinated, which does not always happen. Expect a low germination. I start mine in sphagnum. They also start in soil  sometimes the birds transplant seeds from neighboring trees. Some varieties of ficus are very slow growing, so expect to watch seedlings very closely the first couple of years.
Fresh is going to be better, but you will lose nothing by trying. If the figs were sun dried without treatment your changes are improved.
Most people will encourage you to start by cutting. I encourage seed experimentation  I have obtained some rare varieties not available by cutting just because my seeds germinated.