Neanderthal woman’s face reconstructed from 75,000-year-old skull

ERBIL — A groundbreaking reconstruction of a Neanderthal woman’s face has brought to life the visage of a being who walked the earth about 75,000 years ago. This remarkable achievement was made possible using fragments of a skull discovered over a year ago in Shanidar Cave, as reported by Kayfi Mustafa, the director of antiquities and heritage in the Kurdistan Region. Collaborative efforts by Cambridge and Liverpool universities in the UK have pieced together her features, providing a window into our ancient past.

The reconstruction process was intricate, involving over 200 skull fragments meticulously reassembled at Cambridge University. Dutch researchers specializing in sculpture took on the artistic challenge of crafting the face of the Neanderthal woman from these remnants. This face has since been featured in a BBC World documentary, which has attracted over nine million viewers on Netflix since its initial release.

The significance of Shanidar Cave in the study of Neanderthals cannot be overstated. The site, known for its cluster of Neanderthal remains, suggests complex burial practices and possible ritualistic use of flowers, indicating a sophisticated cultural life among Neanderthals. Recent findings challenge the initial “flower burial” hypothesis, but still underscore the Neanderthals’ organized treatment of their dead. These insights come from new excavations and research that shed light on how Neanderthals might have used the cave as a sacred space for laying their loved ones to rest.

In addition to the facial reconstruction, the continued exploration of Shanidar Cave has revealed more about Neanderthal life. The recent unearthing of a partial Neanderthal skeleton, dubbed Shanidar Z, has provided further evidence of the cave’s use as a burial site. This find, positioned near the famous Shanidar 4 burial, includes well-preserved bones that have been arranged anatomically in a way that suggests intentional placement. Researchers are now analyzing sediment samples from around the skeleton to gain insights into the environmental conditions of the era and the possible presence of plant material used in burial processes.

This ongoing research at Shanidar Cave is supported by a five-year agreement between Cambridge University and the Kurdistan Region’s heritage department, ensuring that the cave’s secrets will continue to be explored and shared with the world.