In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers in South Africa have unveiled what they deem “by far the most complete skeleton of a human ancestor older than 1.5 million years ever found.” The virtually intact Australopithecus fossil, dating back 3.6 million years, was prominently displayed by the University of the Witwatersrand on Wednesday. This significant discovery is poised to deepen our understanding of the appearance and movement of this ancient human ancestor.

Over the course of two decades, researchers dedicated themselves to the meticulous excavation, cleaning, reconstruction, and analysis of the fragile skeleton, affectionately named “Little Foot.” Unearthed in the Sterkfontein caves, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, the discovery began with the identification of small foot bones in rock exposed by miners. Professor Ron Clarke and his dedicated team invested years in the excavation, cleaning, analysis, and reconstruction of this extraordinary find.

The magnitude of this discovery extends beyond scientific achievement, instilling a sense of pride among Africans. Robert Blumenschine, chief scientist of the Paleontological Scientific Trust (PAST), the organization that financed the excavation, emphasized Africa’s role as the global repository of ancient fossil heritage. He underscored that Africa not only preserves a rich array of ancient fossils but also represents the origin of fundamental aspects that define our humanity, including technological prowess, artistic ability, and supreme intellect.

Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, celebrated the successful assembly of the full skeleton, hailing it as a landmark achievement for the global scientific community and a testament to South Africa’s heritage. Habib emphasized the invaluable insights gained through pivotal discoveries like Little Foot, providing a profound glimpse into our shared human history.