Heritage Cases

The purpose of this research is to identify and characterise the features observed on Australopithecus sediba skeletal remains and associated fauna from Malapa, South Africa. Identification of abundant insect marks on the well-preserved fossils two years ago led to a comprehensive microscopic analysis of the Malapa fossils, and the start of bone modification experiments with 18 invertebrate taxa. Results suggest ancient hide and dermestid beetle damage on the hominins and associated fauna, indicating a delayed stage of decomposition and likely mummification. Recent post-fossilisation marks on the same fossils match most closely those made by termites and snails, apparently harvesting microbes and minerals from the sedimentary coatings. A manuscript on the results of this and other site-related research will be submitted by Lee Berger (permit holder) to the journal Science at the end of March 2014. An export permit is sought to study, in collaboration with Dr Francesco d’Errico (Director of Research, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, and authority on fossil bone modification), a sample of 25 bone fragments that preserve good examples of the modifications observed on the fossil fauna. We need to work together with the material first hand in order to discuss, describe, characterise and compare the modifications observed. In addition, bones he has a multi-focus microscope with sophisticated 3D software that acquires top quality images of the type needed if I am to publish in a journal of this calibre. I apologise for the short notice; as co-supervisor of a French PhD student, my passage is unexpectedly paid to attend the defence of her thesis, scheduled at short notice for the end of this month.