Neanderthal Skull to Return to Kurdistan Region After Netflix Documentary Highlights Discovery
In a recent development, the Kurdistan Region is set to welcome back a significant archaeological find—a Neanderthal skull uncovered six years ago and prominently featured in a new Netflix documentary. The announcement was made by Abdulwahab Sulaiman, head of the Soran administration’s archaeological department, confirming the return of this remarkable specimen to its homeland.
The journey of this ancient relic began in 2014 when a British research team, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, embarked on an archaeological expedition in Erbil province's Shanidar cave. This cave, known for its historical importance, had previously yielded Neanderthal remains. The latest find, known as Shanidar Z, represents a 75,000-year-old female Neanderthal, whose skull was painstakingly excavated in 2018.
The excavation team's efforts culminated in the creation of a detailed 3D model of the skull, shedding new light on the physical characteristics of Neanderthals. Dr. Emma Pomeroy, a palaeo-anthropologist from the University of Cambridge's Department of Archaeology, played a crucial role in this groundbreaking discovery. Notably, the skull was found to be flattened to around two centimeters thick, likely due to rockfall shortly after the Neanderthal's demise.
The Neanderthal species, recognized for their distinct features such as pronounced brow ridges and prominent noses, was first identified in the Shanidar cave by American anthropologist Ralph Solecki in the 1950s. Over the years, this cave has continued to reveal Paleolithic treasures, making it a vital site for understanding human evolution.
The return of the Neanderthal skull to the Kurdistan Region marks a significant moment for cultural preservation and scientific collaboration. Once repatriated, the skull will be housed in the Kurdistan Region's museum, commemorated with a formal ceremony to celebrate its historical and scientific significance.
Dilshad Zamwa, from Sulaimani University's archaeology department, expressed optimism about the impact of the Netflix documentary on tourism in the Kurdistan Region. Zamwa highlighted the documentary's potential to attract foreign visitors, underscoring Shanidar cave's global importance as one of the world's significant archaeological sites.
This return of the Neanderthal skull underscores the intersection of science, culture, and heritage—a testament to the enduring legacy of early human civilizations in the Kurdistan Region. As interest in this ancient history grows, the region anticipates a surge in cultural tourism, showcasing its rich heritage to a global audience.
