Black Skull Replica
$180.00
This fossilized cranium’s face projects far outward from the forehead, has wide flared zygomatic arches, and has the largest sagittal crest of any early human. The dark color comes from minerals in the soil that were absorbed by the skull as it fossilized.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Black Skull Replica measures 8.6 inches or 21.9cm. Black Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.
The Manganese (black) stained cranium was found at Lake Turkana, in northern Kenya, Africa. It has been dated to 2.5 million years ago. This specimen is a direct cast replica from the original skull. Australopithecus aethopicus.
KNM WT 17000 (AKA “The Black Skull”) is a fossilized adult skull of the species Paranthropus aethiopicus. It was discovered in West Turkana, Kenya by Alan Walker in 1985. It is estimated to be 2.5 million years old. It is an adult with an estimated cranial capacity of 410 cc.
The black skull KNM WT 17000 characteristics include a robust build with a prominent sagittal crest. Its coloration is due to the high manganese content of the material it was embedded in.
This fossilized cranium’s face projects far outward from the forehead, has wide flared zygomatic arches, and has the largest sagittal crest of any early human.
The molar and premolar roots in the jaw are indicative of this early human having massive cheek teeth; an adaptation for heavy chewing. It is the only known adult skull of the species.
While the black skull KNM WT 17000 relationship to other fossil hominin taxa was not immediately clear at the time of its discovery, further studies have suggested it is a possible ancestor of two species: Paranthropus boisei, of east Africa, and Paranthropus robustus, of South Africa.
The dark color comes from minerals in the soil that were absorbed by the skull as it fossilized. The front teeth fell out and the others were broken off after the individual died. This is the only known adult skull of this species, which is considered a direct ancestor of Paranthropus boisei.
Black Skull Facts:
KNM-WT 17000
Common name: KNM-WT 17000
Species: Paranthropus aethiopicus
Age: c. 2.5 million years
Place discovered: Lake Turkana, Kenya
Date discovered: 1985
Discovered by: Alan Walker
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Additional information
| Weight | 4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.6 in |
