A fossil primate skull hailed as the ‘missing link’ between modern man and our primate ancestors, Piltdown Man generated much excitement when it was first unveiled in London back in 1912.
Allegedly discovered in Sussex, the skull exhibited a remarkable combination of features from both man and ape such as a chimp-like jaw and a set of teeth which seemed both human and ape-like. The reason for this, however, would eventually become clear – the entire thing was an elaborate hoax.
By 1953, scientists had determined that the skull was actually a combination of human and orangutan bones dating back only a few centuries. Whoever was responsible had gone to extreme lengths to make it seem convincing, even going as far as to artificially age the fossil fragments by meticulously filing them and staining them with acid.
The fossil was described as “so entirely unscrupulous and inexplicable as to find no parallel in the history of paleontological discover.” The culprit, it turned out, was lawyer and amateur geologist Charles Dawson.
Now, over 100 years on from the fossil’s initial unveiling, the face of Piltdown Man has been reconstructed by a team of researchers including forensic expert and 3D illustrator Cicero Moraes.
The resulting image (viewable above) demonstrates what this non-existent human ancestor might have looked like if he had actually been a genuine person.
Source: IFL Science
Craig F
I don’t like the idea behind this, since it was a hoax to begin with it should not be further pursued. I can’t help but wonder if it is intended to cause distrust of the fossil record.
Ric M
This is what I don’t understand about science. They won’t accept the existence of a sasquatch, but will spend the money to model up the face of a hoax! I love what Dr. Bindernagel said (and forgive me; I’m paraphrasing his statement) “Every time someone sees a Sasquatch, they’re discovering it for themselves.” I say to hell with science! I know it exists and that is all that matters to me!