A fossilised Neanderthal bone found in the Netherlands has been used to recreate the face of one of Doggerland’s early inhabitants. The fragment of brow bone was discovered in 2001, among material removed by a shell-extraction company from the bed of the North Sea in the Zeeland waters, off the coast of the Netherlands. Research over the last two decades has shed more light on the individual to whom the skull bone belonged, and is now allowing people to see his face once more.
The young Neanderthal man, known as ‘Krijin’, lived between 50,000 and 70,000 years ago in Doggerland, the prehistoric landscape that lies subsumed in the North Sea. It is thought that he had a sturdy build, with a diet that was predominantly made up of meat. Researchers also discovered a small indentation in the fossilised frontal bone, resulting from a tumour under his skin. It is thought that it was probably benign, but he would have had a visible lump over his right eyebrow and the tumour could have caused him pain, dizziness, and visual problems, among other symptoms. On the other hand, if he was lucky, he may not have felt any ill effects. This is the first time that traces of a tumour like this have been found in a Neanderthal, making it especially important that this feature was clearly represented in the reconstruction.
Krijin’s face was rebuilt by Kennis & Kennis Reconstructions, led by Adrie and Alfons Kennis, who are identical twins and have created many other models of ancient humans, including the Neanderthal and early modern human currently on display in the Natural History Museum, London.
War on Film – All Quiet on the Western Front