Sahelanthropus tchadensis: cranium

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Object Details

Discovered by

a team led by Michel Brunet

Is this an original object?

Age

Between 7 and 6 million years old

Summary

One of the first human traits, the small canine teeth in this male skull distinguished it from other apes. Most male primates have long canine teeth that they use to threaten and harm other males. There may have been less competition among Sahelanthropus tchadensis males, or perhaps males expressed aggression in other ways. This skull, nearly complete though flattened by distortion, is also known by its nickname, ‘Toumai,’ which means ‘hope of life’ in the local Dazaga language of Chad.

Date of discovery

2001

Original Object Identifier

TM 266-01-060-1

Original Object Holding Institution

Centre National d'Appui à la Recherche/National Center of Research Support (Chad)

Location of Discovery

Toros-Menalla, Chad

Site

Toros-Menalla, Chad

Species

Sahelanthropus tchadensis

Data Source

NMNH - Anthropology Dept.

Metadata Usage

CC0

Record ID

dpo_3d_200071