Replica of the Skull of Australopithecus afarensis "Lucy" Description – Materials & Creation Process: 3D-printed from durable plastic (PETG/ABS) using a detailed digital reconstruction of Lucy’s skull. Hand-painted to accurately replicate the color and texture of the fossil, including all distinctive features. Dimensions: Full-scale, life-sized replica:175 mm (length) × 150 mm (width) × 115 mm (height) / 6.89" (length) × 5.91" (width) × 4.53" (height) Jaw: The lower jaw is detachable for detailed study. Significance in Anthropology:
Dating: ~3.2 million years ago
Discovery: 1974, Hadar (Ethiopia)
Importance:
One of the most complete early hominin skeletons (~40% preserved)
Brain volume: ~375–500 cm³
Evidence of bipedalism in early australopithecines
Features:
Mixed traits:
Small brain (similar to chimpanzees)
Prognathic face
Short canines
Key characteristics:
Pelvis and knee structure adapted for bipedalism
Long arms (indicative of arboreal habits)
Intermediate dental structure
Evolutionary Significance:
A transitional link between ancient primates and humans
Demonstrates a combination of arboreal and terrestrial locomotion
Applications:
Research on early human evolution
Comparative analysis with other australopithecines
