Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, half scale skull

Whether you call Homo neanderthalensis (H. sapiens neanderthalensis is also used), a Neanderthal or a Neandertal (both spellings exist), you are describing a group of ancient people who lived in Europe and the Near East around 120,000 to 30,000 years ago.  The name comes from the Neander Valley in Germany where the first specimen was found – and is properly pronounced in German with a hard “t” regardless of which spelling you prefer.  Neanderthals lived during the period known as the Middle Paleolithic.  Their technology was more advanced than earlier cultures and they were able to work stone tools into various sophisticated forms.  Interestingly, there is very little evidence of bone tool fabrication even though Neanderthals were evidently very successful hunters.  Neanderthal skulls show great variation, but the classic Neanderthal had a large, long head with a bigger brain than modern man.  Prominent brow ridges and a projecting face were common.  Why the Neanderthals disappeared is not known.

Also see the full sized hominid skull, BH019.

Model size: 10.8(L) x 7(W) x 7(H) cm

The Bone Clones Half-Scale Series

Sculpted by anatomical sculptor Dr. Steve Wagner, and licensed exclusively to Bone Clones, these detailed miniature skulls accurately represent the osteological anatomy of 7 primate skulls:  Human, Gorilla, Chimpanzee and 4 early hominids.  Made of our custom formulated, durable, resin and expertly finished, these extraordinary miniature skulls feature all the detail of the originals.  Easily handled, and a convenient size for comparative study, the Bone Clones Half Scale Series skulls display beautifully and are a great teaching aid.

(Information courtesy Bone Clones, Inc)