A Neanderthal woman named Shanidar Z was buried in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan 75,000 years ago. Scientists have reconstructed her skull from 200 bone fragments, piecing together her facial features to understand what she may have looked like. The new documentary “Secrets of the Neanderthals” showcases this reconstruction, shedding light on the physical appearance of these ancient humans. Neanderthals lived across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia Mountains for around 300,000 years, overlapping with modern humans for 30,000 years.
The analysis of Shanidar Z’s skeleton revealed that she was likely in her mid-40s at the time of her death, standing around 5 feet tall. Her sex was determined using a new technique involving the sequencing of proteins inside tooth enamel. While the cave where she was buried was initially believed to have contained flowers alongside Neanderthal remains, subsequent research has cast doubt on this theory. Evidence suggests that Shanidar Cave inhabitants were likely an empathetic species, caring for individuals with disabilities.
The reconstruction of Shanidar Z’s skull was a complex process, involving the piecing together of over 200 bone fragments into a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The reconstructed skull was used as the basis for a facial reconstruction created by Danish paleoartists Adrie and Alfons Kennis. This reconstruction helped bridge the gap between anatomy and the passage of 75,000 years, providing a glimpse into the appearance of this ancient Neanderthal woman. Additional discoveries may still be made at the Shanidar Cave site, as recent excavations have uncovered additional Neanderthal remains.
The new documentary “Secrets of the Neanderthals” explores the fascinating world of these ancient humans, shedding light on their intelligence, sophistication, and complexity. While Neanderthals may not have buried their dead with flowers, evidence of their cultural practices, art, string making, and tool use suggests a level of complexity previously underestimated. The facial reconstruction of Shanidar Z offers a window into the physical characteristics of a Neanderthal woman, challenging preconceived notions about the appearance and behavior of these ancient humans. Stay updated on scientific advancements and discoveries by signing up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter.
