Analysis of ancient human remains from the once-lush Sahara Desert reveals a genetically distinct group of people who thrived there during the African Humid Period. These "Green Sahara" inhabitants, dating back 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, possessed unique genetic markers unlike any present-day populations in North or Sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a long period of isolation and independent evolution within this region before its desertification. This discovery challenges existing narratives of early human migration and settlement across Africa, highlighting a previously unknown branch of human ancestry that emerged and disappeared with the changing Saharan climate.
The Dolní Věstonice portrait head, unearthed in the Czech Republic, is potentially the oldest known portrait of a specific individual, dating back 26,000-29,000 years to the Gravettian period. Made of fired clay, it depicts a woman with a narrow face, heavy-lidded eyes, and a possible facial asymmetry, perhaps reflecting a real individual's features. While some debate its status as a true portrait, its detailed rendering of a unique face, along with its discovery among mammoth bone caches and other artifacts in a complex settlement, makes it a remarkable piece of Paleolithic art, providing a glimpse into the artistic and social complexities of early humans.
Hacker News users discussed the potential significance of the Dolní Vĕstonice Venus head, questioning whether it truly represents a portrait or if its stylized features suggest a more symbolic representation. Some commenters pointed to the difficulty of definitively interpreting artifacts from such a distant past, emphasizing the limited information available about the culture and beliefs of the creators. Others debated the definition of "portrait," with some arguing it requires intent to depict a specific individual, while others suggested a broader interpretation encompassing generalized representations of human likeness. The possibility that the piece might be a forgery was also briefly mentioned, but dismissed by several users citing its established provenance and past research. Several commenters also expressed fascination with the artifact and its potential insights into early human artistic expression.
Summary of Comments ( 29 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43643467
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the article's findings, expressing skepticism about the claim of a "unique" human group. Some commenters highlighted the fluidity of human movement and intermingling, especially in pre-historic times, making definitive claims of uniqueness difficult. Others pointed out the challenges in drawing conclusions based on limited skeletal remains and the potential for misinterpretations. The discussion also touched on the Sahara's history of cyclical climate changes and the impact on human populations, with some emphasizing that the region has seen numerous migrations and cultural exchanges over millennia. A few commenters criticized Science Alert's sensationalized reporting style. Overall, the consensus seemed to be that while the findings are interesting, the framing of a "unique" group is potentially misleading and warrants further investigation.
The Hacker News post titled "Once lush Sahara was home to a surprisingly unique group of humans" has generated several comments discussing various aspects related to the topic.
Some users express skepticism about the novelty of the findings, pointing out that the Sahara's past as a fertile region is already well-established knowledge. One commenter highlights the cyclical nature of the Sahara's climate, shifting between wet and dry periods over millennia due to Earth's orbital precession. This commenter also mentions the implications of these climate shifts for human migration and the development of agriculture in the Nile Valley.
Other comments delve into the genetic information presented in the linked article, questioning the interpretation of "unique" human groups. One user emphasizes the interconnectedness of human populations and the constant gene flow between them, making the concept of isolated, unique groups less clear-cut. This commenter also highlights the complexities of analyzing ancient DNA and drawing definitive conclusions about population distinctions.
A few comments focus on the methodology of the research, expressing concerns about the limited sample size and the potential for biased interpretations. One user questions the reliability of extrapolating broader conclusions about entire populations based on a relatively small number of individuals.
Several commenters engage in a discussion about the terminology used in the article, particularly the terms "unique" and "species." They debate the appropriateness of these terms in the context of human populations and the nuances of genetic variation within our species.
Finally, some comments offer further resources and information related to the topic, such as links to other articles and studies about the Sahara's history and human migrations. One commenter mentions the potential of archeological findings to provide a more complete understanding of the past, complementing the genetic data presented in the article.