This reconstruction of Homo naledi by paelo-artist John Anthony Gurche took 700 hours to complete and is made of silicone with acrylic eyes. Each gland and muscle is carefully crafted.<br />
This reconstruction of Homo naledi by paelo-artist John Anthony Gurche took 700 hours to complete and is made of silicone with acrylic eyes. Each gland and muscle is carefully crafted.
Courtesy John Anthony Gurche
The fossils of Homo naledi were found in Rising Star Cave, South Africa, in 2013. The treasure trove of bones belonged to at least 15 individuals -- eight children, five adults, and two adolescents.
The fossils of Homo naledi were found in Rising Star Cave, South Africa, in 2013. The treasure trove of bones belonged to at least 15 individuals -- eight children, five adults, and two adolescents.
Courtesy Brett Eloff
Over 1,500 fossils were uncovered in total. It is believed Homo naledi stood approximately 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall and weighed about 45 kilograms (almost 100 pounds).
Over 1,500 fossils were uncovered in total. It is believed Homo naledi stood approximately 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall and weighed about 45 kilograms (almost 100 pounds).
Courtesy John Hawks/University of Wiscons
The species appears to be an intriguing mixture of advanced and primitive features. While the skull shape was humanesque, the brain was tiny and the size of an orange.
The species appears to be an intriguing mixture of advanced and primitive features. While the skull shape was humanesque, the brain was tiny and the size of an orange.
Courtesy John Hawks
Homo naledi's teeth were small, and described as in-keeping with the genus Homo.
Homo naledi's teeth were small, and described as in-keeping with the genus Homo.
Courtesy John Hawks/Wits University
The ancient human also had curved ape-like fingers, which could have been used for climbing.
The ancient human also had curved ape-like fingers, which could have been used for climbing.
Courtesy Peter Schmid
It's feet are "virtually indistinguishable from those of modern humans," said Dr William Harcourt-Smith of Lehman College, City University of New York. This, combined with long slender legs, mean the species may have been capable of walking vast distances.
It's feet are "virtually indistinguishable from those of modern humans," said Dr William Harcourt-Smith of Lehman College, City University of New York. This, combined with long slender legs, mean the species may have been capable of walking vast distances.
Courtesy John Hawks
Pictured, a team of scientists assess the bounty of bones back in the lab.
Pictured, a team of scientists assess the bounty of bones back in the lab.
Courtesy John Hawks