Cro Magnon 1 Replica #257
Early Modern Human Skull
Homo sapiens - Replica
Formerly known as "Cro-Magnon"
Age: Approximately 30,000 years old
Location: Based on specimens from Western Europe
Period: Upper Paleolithic
This replica represents an early modern human skull from the Upper Paleolithic period. These ancestors were anatomically identical to us today, with the same brain capacity and physical capabilities.
Key Features
Advanced Brain Development
The high, rounded forehead housed a fully developed frontal lobe, enabling complex language, abstract thinking, and sophisticated tool-making.
Refined Bone Structure
Notice the gracile (slender) build compared to earlier human species. The reduced brow ridge and smaller jaw reflect evolutionary changes in diet and behavior.
Cultural Achievements
People with skulls like this created the famous cave paintings at Lascaux and Altamira, crafted intricate tools from stone and bone, and developed complex social structures.
The Fossil Record
The weathered, mineralized appearance mimics how these ancient remains look after thousands of years buried in sediment. Minerals gradually replace the original bone, preserving the structure while creating the distinctive coloration.
These early Europeans were among our direct ancestors, representing a crucial chapter in the story of human evolution and the peopling of the globe.
About the Name "Cro-Magnon"
The term "Cro-Magnon" comes from the Cro-Magnon rock shelter in southwestern France, where the first fossils of this type were discovered in 1868. While this name was widely used for over a century, modern scientists prefer "Early Modern Humans" because:
- "Cro-Magnon" referred to one specific archaeological site
- These people were not a separate species, but our direct ancestors
- The term can be misleading about human diversity in prehistoric Europe
Today, we understand these individuals as part of the continuous story of Homo sapiens rather than a distinct group.