A Neanderthal woman’s face has been reconstructed based on the remains of a female found in Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan. The site has long been recognized as an important Neanderthal archaeological site. The excavation of the female, dubbed Shanidar Z, took place in 2018, and her skull, found heavily fragmented and flattened, was painstakingly reconstructed by piecing together over 200 fragments. The remodeled skull was then scanned to create a digital reconstruction, which formed the basis of a 3D-printed model used by paleoartists Adrie and Alfons Kennis to reconstruct the Neanderthal woman’s face. The facial reconstruction is featured in the Netflix documentary “Secrets of the Neanderthals.”
Neanderthals, Homo neanderthalensis, are close extinct relatives of modern humans that lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They coexisted with anatomically modern humans in certain regions and periods and even interbred with them. The recreated head of Shanidar Z showcases the differences in appearance between Neanderthals and modern humans, with Neanderthals having huge brow ridges, lack of chins, and more prominent midfaces and noses. However, the reconstructed face suggests that these differences may not have been as stark in real life, making it easier to understand how interbreeding between the species occurred.
The facial reconstruction sheds light on Shanidar Z, who was likely in her mid-40s at the time of her death, a significant age for that period. As an older female, she would have been a repository of knowledge for her group, showcasing the importance of her role in prehistoric society. The reconstructed face allows us to connect with her and learn from her, even 75,000 years later. The Netflix documentary “Secrets of the Neanderthals” provides insights into the research team’s investigations and the process of reconstructing Shanidar Z’s face, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of Neanderthals.
The recreated head of Shanidar Z, produced for the Netflix documentary, was based on detailed research and analysis conducted by experts from the University of Cambridge and Liverpool John Moores University. The team carefully removed the remains from Shanidar Cave, reconstructed the skull, and created a digital reconstruction that served as the basis for the 3D-printed model used for the facial reconstruction. The documentary showcases the scientific advancements and techniques used to bring the Neanderthal woman’s face to life, offering a unique perspective on our ancient relatives.
The facial reconstruction of Shanidar Z provides valuable insights into the physical appearance and characteristics of Neanderthals, challenging conventional wisdom and expanding our understanding of these archaic humans. The differences in the Neanderthal skull compared to modern human skulls are highlighted, along with the possible similarities that allowed for interbreeding between the two species. The documentary sheds light on the research process, showcasing the collaboration between experts in anthropology, archaeology, and paleoart to reconstruct the face of a Neanderthal woman who lived thousands of years ago. Through this reconstruction, we can learn more about our ancient relatives and the world they inhabited.
