Homo Naledi Complete Skull Reconstruction

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Named Homo Naledi, this groundbreaking discovery of a previously unknown extinct early human ancestor has sent shockwaves throughout the paleoanthropology and archaeology communities. The Rising Star expedition team in South Africa unearthed this remarkable find, which they have published on Morphosource.org for public access and participation in the extraordinary revelation. The original publication can be found at elife sciences org content 4 e09560. For those unable to access the scans, a replica skull has been reconstructed by combining fragments of specimens DH3 and DH4, available here thingiverse com thing 1042872. A complete upper maxilla matching the published mandible and mirrored zygomatic fragments were also recreated; these four files enabled printing as much of the skull as possible, with the rest approximated based on skeletal landmarks from other early hominids. The finished skull was completed with sculpted clay. Scientists who made this kind of reproduction possible are truly appreciated. All specimens and original scans are attributed to the original authors. NextEngine Scanner was used for scanning. Contact information for this reconstruction includes Digital reconstructions by Darryl R. Ricketts, M.S., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Indiana University South Bend, email dr ricketts in at IU EDU. Sculpting done by Susan M. Ward, Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, Indiana University South Bend, email susan ward in at IU EDU. Please attribute accordingly. I am a forensic anthropologist who teaches anthropology and specializes in fetal osteology and 3D reconstruction, not affiliated with this project or the Rising Star team. Post a photo to share if you print this, and check out my other scans of skulls and bones on thingiverse com dricketts designs. Be sure to like my Facebook page at facebook com FetalReproductions to subscribe to my current prints/blogs, and see my Etsy page at etsy com FetalReproductions for baby fetal scans, skulls, and other items to own.