Some of South Africa’s most famous fossils, namely Australopithecus sediba (Karabo) and Homo naledi (Neo), have arrived in Dallas, Texas, to star in an exhibition.
With newly-created ‘passports’ for the pair, The Cradle of Humankind released a press statement saying that Karabo and Neo’s journey ‘ is not a holiday, of course, but rather a business trip’.
The South African fossils are the headline attraction at an upcoming exhibition, Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind, hosted by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
This is the first time that these two specimens have left home soil and according to the Perot Museum, it will likely be the only time.
According to The Dallas Morning News, scientists who visit the ehibition will have access to an on-site ‘glass-encased visiting scholar lab, allowing them to get up close and personal with the two fossils without removing them from public view.’
In addition to Karabo and Neo, the 465 square-metre exhibit will include a ‘a simulated excavation site,’ according to the museum, which will allow visitors roleplay the part of researchers, ‘using the same ground-penetrating technology’, that researches do. There will also be cultural artifacts from around the area that the fossils were discovered and taxidermic displays.
Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind will open to the public on 19 October 2019 and the display will be on for six months.
Image: Maropeng
