|
|
Hominid footprints provide window to human ancestors
August 21, 1996
Web posted at: 11:55 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Gary Strieker
LAETOLI, Tanzania (CNN) -- Some 3.6 million years ago, three hominids striding upright across the dusty, ashy plains of East Africa left behind an early imprint of the human family.
The hominids' footprints and numerous bones found lying between layers of petrified volcanic ash at Laetoli in northern Tanzania rank as the oldest known human-like remains, archaeologists say.
"They look just like the prints of one of us or one of our children," said archaeologist Fiona Marshall. "Absolutely human, but when you think they're 3.6 million years old, I think it gives you a chill."
Paleontologist Mary Leakey's team discovered the tracks in 1978. They saw the hominid prints as proof that ancestors of humans were striding upright long before their brains developed and they started making tools.
"And I must say, when we first found them, recognized them for what they were, it seemed hard to believe," Leakey said.
Protecting the prehistoric prints
But after lying buried for 3.6 million years, the tracks were threatened by environmental exposure. So 17 years ago, Leakey re-buried the prints for protection.
But as time passed, tree roots penetrated the trackway, someone punctured it with a spear, and erosion threatened to wash it away.
Now the California-based Getty Conservation Institute, the Tanzanian government and the Masai people have teamed up to preserve the trackway.
After seeing the footprints for the first time, the Masai realized how important they were, their spiritual leader said. The Masai have adopted the site as part of their own heritage.
"After knowing this represents the origins of humankind as we know it today, the different villages have tried to identify with the site, and have tried to claim it for themselves," said Daniel Ndagala of Tanzania's Committee for Culture.
On the excavated northern side of the site, workers are taking measures to stop further erosion by cleaning, analyzing and photographing the footprints.
"We're just injecting the acrylic dispersal back behind the pieces that are loose," said Leaky.
The southern part of the site has already been conserved and covered with protective fabrics, earth and boulders.
In a few weeks, the prehistoric trackway will be re-buried indefinitely, to protect it for future generations.
"It epitomizes so very well the essence of humankind," said Neville Agnew of the Getty Conservation Institute. "The symbolism of the footprint is a very powerful symbol."
Related story:
- New discovery pushes back human history - August 17, 1995
Related sites:
- Fossil Hominids FAQ
- From the syllabus for Anthropology 233 Human Evolution, Spring 1996, Dr. Sally McBrearty, University of Connecticut
Related newsgroups:
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Some newsgroups may not be supported by your service provider.
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.