The proto-Homo erectus Skull
The proto-Homo erectus skull. Now turned to ironstone , besides distortions it bears extensive signs of an earlier period of long-time surface exposure, as shown by excessive, deep pitmarking. The skulls’ distinctive, though badly worn pointed sagittal crest, distinguishes it from all other Homo erectus skulls so far discovered in Australia. The originally doliocephalic braincase was partly crushed flattish due to sediments not having sufficiently filled it to otherwise provide some resistance to distortion in the early stages of burial. This right side view of the skull shows the face projected outwards with the right, badly worn brow ridge having been thick and projecting. Photo's copyright © Rex Gilroy 2006.
The proto-Homo erectus skull
RIGHT SIDE - VIEW
On 6th January 2005 Rex Gilroy unearthed this deteriorated fossil skull [now mineralised ironstone] from base Pleistocene deposits on Narrow Neck Plateau, Katoomba, New South Wales dating back 2 million years.
The skull’s distinctive, though badly worn sagittal crest, distinguishes it from all other Homo erectus skulls so far discovered in Australia by the Gilroys.
The braincase typical of Homo erectus skulls, was partly crushed flattish from the rear due to sediments not having sufficiently filled it to provide distortion resistance in the early stages of preservation.
Photo copyright © Rex Gilroy 2007.
The proto-Homo erectus skull
FRONTAL VIEW
The proto-Homo erectus skull, frontal view. Note the weathered pointed sagittal crest.
A section of the left orbital and cranial frontal area of the left eye socket and brow ridge is missing [the shadow gives the impression of a second brow ridge and socket here].
Although no lower jaw has survived, the dental arch [not visible here] shows faint outlines of several teeth sockets. Note how the right brow ridge projects outward.
Outward projecting brow ridges is a feature of archaic skull types from Asia and Africa.
Photo copyright © Rex Gilroy 2006.
The proto-Homo erectus skull
BACK VIEW
The rear of the braincase showing the flattened appearance of the nuchal plain. When intact, the skull would have been doliocephalic [ie long and narrow].
Photo copyright © Rex Gilroy
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