Scientists unearth ‘Neo’ – A new look into Homo Naledi
This groundbreaking discovery will help better understand Homo Naledi.
POLOKWANE – When fossil hunters unveiled the remains of a mysterious and archaic new species of human found deep inside a cave in South Africa two years ago, scientists didn’t think that more remnants would be found.
The discovery of Homo Naledi, consisting of more than 1 550 numbered fossil elements, was the single largest fossil hominin find made on the continent of Africa.
The initial discovery was made in 2013 in a cave known as Rising Star in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, about 50km northwest of Johannesburg, by Wits University scientists and volunteer cavers.
On Tuesday, 9 May, Lee Berger, the lead scientist at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, made the announcement that they now have the remnants of at least 18 Homo naledi, including a nearly complete adult skull, named ‘Neo’.
.@LeeRberger recaps on the amazing #HomoNaledi discovery, announced in September 2015. pic.twitter.com/19uO69wt0i
— MaropengSA (@MaropengSA) May 9, 2017
The remnants were found in a cave chamber 100 metres from the first.
Photo: MaropengSA
The age of Homo naledi was also revealed by Berger.
During the announcement, Gauteng’s Premier, David Makhura said the research introduced was truly groundbreaking and acknowledged the work done by scientists for what he said, was world class research.
“Through this, we are now able to understand our ancestry and the origins of humanity,” he said.
The fossils will be placed on exhibition at Maropeng, the official visitor centre for The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng.
The largest-ever exhibition of hominin materials in history will open on 25 May at @MaropengSA. Save the date. #HomoNaledi pic.twitter.com/B1zxfa4n63
— MaropengSA (@MaropengSA) May 9, 2017
Edited by Raeesa Kimmie
Almost Human now on sale
Lee Berger’s new book, ALMOST HUMAN will be going on sale internationally from today. This is the astonishing tale of Homo Naledi and the discovery that changed our human story. Published by National Geographic and written with co-author John Hawks, is an incredible first-person account of the homo naledi discovery and how it culminates with the new scientific findings.
