New fossil remains of Homo naledi from the Lesedi Chamber, South Africa
Date
2017-05
Authors
Hawks, J.
Elliott, M.
Schmid, P.
Churchill, S.E.
de Ruiter, D.J.
Roberts, E.M.
Hilbert-Wolf, H.
Garvin, H.M.
Williams, S.A.
Delezene, L.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
eLife Sciences Publications Ltd
Abstract
The Rising Star cave system has produced abundant fossil hominin remains within the
Dinaledi Chamber, representing a minimum of 15 individuals attributed to Homo naledi. Further
exploration led to the discovery of hominin material, now comprising 131 hominin specimens,
within a second chamber, the Lesedi Chamber. The Lesedi Chamber is far separated from the
Dinaledi Chamber within the Rising Star cave system, and represents a second depositional context
for hominin remains. In each of three collection areas within the Lesedi Chamber, diagnostic
skeletal material allows a clear attribution to H. naledi. Both adult and immature material is present.
The hominin remains represent at least three individuals based upon duplication of elements, but
more individuals are likely present based upon the spatial context. The most significant specimen is
the near-complete cranium of a large individual, designated LES1, with an endocranial volume of
approximately 610 ml and associated postcranial remains. The Lesedi Chamber skeletal sample
extends our knowledge of the morphology and variation of H. naledi, and evidence of H. naledi
from both recovery localities shows a consistent pattern of differentiation from other hominin
species.
Description
Keywords
Homo naledi, fossils, Lesedi Chamber, SOUTH AFRICA, Rising Star cave, hominin
Citation
Hawks, J. et al. 2017. New fossil remains of Homo naledi from the Lesedi Chamber, South Africa. eLife 6: Article number e24232.