Shown here are reconstructions of Homo neanderthalensis and Australopithecus afarensis (“Lucy”). The models – if you can them that – are real size, very well done and can be examined from direction very closely, and are typical of the high quality of many of the special exhibits in this museum. The Neanderthal display is of an older and younger male and shows how the skull developed as the individual matured, with the “sloping” forehead of the adult. The australopithecines are a couple, displayed in the context of a cast of Mary Leakey’s footprints from Laetoli, set into the floor – I actually walked out the trackway.
I did not take pictures but should mention the simply incredible displays of iron and bronze- age artifacts and culture. Absolutely fascinating, especially as this is something that I previously knew little about.