Scientists from Ghent University (UGent) and artists reconstructed the face and living environment of a prehistoric woman who lived around 10,000 years ago in the valley of the River Meuse, according to Het Nieuwsblad. The public received their first glimpse of the reconstructions at a presentation in Dinant, Namur Province. The reconstructed figure is set to embark on a tour of museums in Flanders and Wallonia as part of a traveling exhibition.
Aspects of the prehistoric woman's daily life were recreated under the guidance of artist Ulco Glimmerveen. The living environment was depicted based on archaeological data and scientific models, reflecting her life during the Mesolithic period. Campsites, hunting techniques, and means of transport were reconstructed to bring the world of over 10,000 years ago back to life.
The woman's remains were discovered in 1988 inside the Margaux Cave near Dinant. Genetic research showed that she, referred to as the Margaux woman, was related to West European hunter-gatherers, including the well-known Cheddar Man from Great Britain. Like Cheddar Man, the Margaux woman had blue eyes, but her skin was slightly lighter than that of many other individuals from the same period.
"That indicates a greater diversity in skin pigmentation than we previously thought," said Dr. Maïté Rivollat, the project's chief geneticist, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
The reconstruction is the result of a collaboration between scientists from UGent, the Walloon Agency for Heritage (l'Agence wallonne du Patrimoine), and artists from Kennis & Kennis. It combines anatomical analyses, genetic research, and archaeological finds. Materials from Mesolithic sites in the Meuse Valley were incorporated to ensure accuracy.
Kennis & Kennis, the studio run by Dutch twin brothers Adrie and Alfons Kennis, creates lifelike reconstructions of extinct humans and animals. The brothers are paleoartists who have brought numerous prehistoric figures to life. Their expertise bridges the gap between science and art, making prehistoric subjects accessible to modern audiences.
The reconstruction is part of the ROAM project at Ghent University, where archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and art come together. By combining scientific rigor with artistic interpretation, the project sheds light on the lives of hunter-gatherer societies in prehistoric Europe.
The public is invited to choose a name for the prehistoric woman, with options including Margo, Freyà, and Mos'anne. These names reflect her habitat and cultural significance, connecting modern audiences with the ancient past.
As the exhibition travels through Flanders and Wallonia, it offers an educational opportunity for people of all ages. By engaging with the reconstruction, visitors can connect with the human story across millennia, fostering a deeper appreciation for shared heritage.
The reconstructed environment displays the tools and technologies of the time, illustrating the hunting techniques and means of transportation used by her community. This provides valuable insights into the ingenuity and adaptability of Mesolithic societies.
The initiative not only provides a visual representation of an individual from the Mesolithic period but also offers insights into the broader community of the time. By integrating fields such as archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and art, the team was able to produce a reconstruction that is both scientifically sound and visually compelling.
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