The Hubei Provincial Museum in central China has recently unveiled the restored appearances of the ancient ‘Yunxian Man’, bringing to life fossils that are approximately one million years old.
Discovered in 1989 and 1990 in Hubei Province, the fossils consist of two human skulls named ‘Yunxian Man’ by paleoanthropologist Jia Lanpo in 1994, after the excavation site.
Through meticulous restoration, the museum has showcased statues representing a Homo erectus male and female, estimated to have been between 25 and 45 years old during their lifetimes. These early humans stood medium in stature, walked upright, and possessed lower braincases compared to modern humans.
The brain volumes of the skulls measure 1,094 milliliters and 1,152 milliliters, providing valuable insights into the cognitive evolution of Homo erectus. These findings suggest that Homo erectus may have been the direct ancestors of Homo sapiens, paving the way for the development of modern human intelligence and societal structures.
The restoration project not only highlights the advanced techniques in paleoanthropology but also emphasizes the rich prehistoric heritage of the Hubei region. By bringing these ancient figures to the public eye, the Hubei Provincial Museum fosters a deeper understanding of human evolution and our shared history.
Reference(s):
China restores appearance of million-year-old 'Yunxian Man' fossil
cgtn.com
