Reconstructed face of 75,000-Year-Old Neanderthal woman unveiled by British archaeologists

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a remarkable archaeological revelation, a team of British archaeologists has unveiled the reconstructed face of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman, whose skull was unearthed in the Shanidar Cave near Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

The discovery, showcased today on Thursday, May 2, sheds light on the ancient human history of the region, offering a glimpse into the lives of our Neanderthal predecessors.

The skull, belonging to a 40-year-old Neanderthal woman, was discovered in 2018, buried beneath a towering vertical stone marker within the cavernous depths of Shanidar Cave.

Read More: WATCH: Remains of two more Neanderthals found in Kurdistan Region

While fragments of the Neanderthal's lower skeleton were initially unearthed in 1960 during pioneering excavations led by Ralph Sulkey, an American archaeologist, it wasn't until recent years that the complete skull was unearthed.

However, due to political instability in the region, nearly five decades elapsed before a team from the universities of Cambridge and Liverpool John Moores could return to the cave for further exploration and analysis.

Described as the most significant Neanderthal discovery of the century, the Shanidar skull offers invaluable insights into the physical characteristics and lifestyle of our ancient ancestors.

Through meticulous reconstruction efforts, archaeologists have breathed new life into the Neanderthal woman's visage, enabling contemporary audiences to connect with her distant existence and ponder the complexities of human evolution.

The unveiling of the reconstructed face serves as a testament to the enduring allure of archaeological inquiry and the collaborative efforts of researchers worldwide to unravel the mysteries of our shared past.

As the Shanidar Cave continues to yield its secrets, the Neanderthal woman stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and continuity, bridging the chasm between ancient prehistory and the modern age.