Australopithecus africanus Skull, Taung Child, Museum Quality (Replica)

This fossil specimen of the “Taung Child”, dated to 2.0 MYA, consists of the face and mandible with teeth and, uniquely, a natural endocast of the braincase. The “Taung Child” is estimated to have been three years old at the time of death and possessed traits of both ape and hominid. This find was of particular importance because this specimen had a cranial capacity of approximately 405 cc, well within the ape range. On the other hand he had a high rounded forehead lacking brow ridges, a rounded dental arcade, and a foramen magnum positioned forwardly indicating bipedalism, all hominid characteristics. In 1925 “Taung Child” was identified as a new genus and species of hominid, Australopithecus africanus, meaning “Southern Ape of Africa”. Stand available.

This museum quality replica is cast from an exactingly-produced sculpture, based on photographs, descriptions and precise measurements of original fossils.

Bone Clones® Replica