Palaeoanthropology Collection (#9)

Evolution of man. Artwork depicting man evolving from amoebas, through primitive fish and mammals until reaching its pinnacle with a robot

Fossilised pelvis, Sima de los Huesos. This male Homo heidelbergensis pelvis, nicknamed Elvis, is the only known intact pelvis dating back 400, 000 years

Evolution. Conceptual computer artwork representing the evolution of modern humans (Homo sapiens) from ape-like ancestors

Animal jaw, Gran Dolina. Primitive lower jaw (mandible) of a bovine animal, found in level TD7 of the Gran Dolina site. Gran Dolina is one of several archaeological sites in Sierra de Atapuerca

Dolmen, Sierra de Atapuerca. This Bronze Age dolmen, or portal tomb, was found in the area surrounding Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain (background)

Human evolution. Computer artwork of four stages in human evolution. Comparisons of DNA and fossil records suggest that humans and modern African apes evolved from a common ape-like ancestor (left)

Base of skull 5, Sima de los Huesos. In 1992, the team working with Professor Juan Luis Arsuaga found skull 5 (Miguelon) at Sima de los Huesos (Pit of Bones)

Animal jaw, Galeria. Lower jaw (mandible) of a lion recovered from Galeria. It is thought that Galeria acted as a natural trap and that humans

Fossilised tooth, Gran Dolina. This human tooth, dating back approximately 800, 000 years, was found along with other fossils in level TD6 at the Gran Dolina site between 1994 and 1995

Bone tool, Cueva Mayor. This carved bone tool was used to make holes, in skins for example. Cueva Mayor was first discovered in 1910

Neanderthal skeleton, Kebara Cave, Israel
Neanderthal skeleton. Close-up of the skeleton of a Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis) found in the Kebara Cave, Israel, in 1982

Homo floresiensis mandible. Mould made from fragments of the mandible (jaw bone) of Homo floresiensis. This newly discovered hominid species was found in 2003 in Liang Bua cave, Flores, Indonesia

Homo floresiensis skull

Early humans preparing food, artwork. Bread cooking in the prehistory. Engraving from " Grands Hommes et Grands Faits de l Industrie" circa 1880

Neanderthal cave, artwork
Neanderthal cave. Computer artwork of a group of Neanderthals (Homo Neanderthalensis) in a cave

Fossilised teeth, Gran Dolina. These human teeth, dating back approximately 800, 000 years, were found in level TD6 at the Gran Dolina site between 1994 and 1995

Neanderthal skull, artwork
Neanderthal skull parts. Artwork of parts of a Neanderthal skull, found in 1856 in a limestone quarry in the Neandertal area of Germany, after which the Neanderthals are named

Neanderthal DNA extraction. Close up view of a technician drilling a sample of fossilised Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis) bone

Primate skulls, 19th century artwork
Primate skulls. 19th century artwork of a human skull (top) and those of four different primates, showing the anatomical differences

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Palaeoanthropology unravels the mysteries of our ancient past, piecing together the puzzle of human evolution. From the intricate Lascaux II cave painting replica C013/7378 to the Trail of Laetoli footprints, every artifact tells a story. Step by step, we explore the stages in human evolution. A glimpse into history reveals a female Australopithecus africanus, standing tall amidst her primitive surroundings. Primate skulls offer insights into our ancestors' cranial structure and brain development. Intriguingly, a scimitar cat attacking a hominid reminds us of the challenges faced by early humans in their struggle for survival. Artwork depicting these stages in human evolution serves as a visual timeline connecting us to our roots. The footprints and skeleton of Lucy provide an intimate encounter with one of our earliest known ancestors - an Australopithecus afarensis who walked this Earth over 3 million years ago. Model replicas bring Homo heidelbergensis back to life, allowing us to marvel at their physical features and speculate about their way of life. Australopithecus boisei stands out with its robust skull and powerful jaw muscles adapted for chewing tough vegetation. Meanwhile, Homo erectus emerges on stage - Java Man cranium (Sangiran 17) cast showcases their distinct facial characteristics that set them apart from earlier hominids. Palaeoanthropology invites us on an extraordinary journey through time as we uncover humanity's origins, and is through these artifacts and discoveries that we gain deeper insight into who we are today – creatures shaped by millions of years of evolutionary progress.