Microtomographic Archive of Hominin Fossils from the Swartkrans Formation, South Africa (1948-1967)

Abstract

Since initial excavations in 1948, the site of Swartkrans, located in the ‘Cradle of Humankind,’ South Africa has yielded hundreds of fossil hominin specimens belonging to species of Paranthropus, Homo, and possibly Australopithecus.  Here we provide an updated catalogue of material excavated between 1948-1967 from Swartkrans (SK prefix) with additional information about associations between specimens and preserved anatomy. In particular, we employ microtomography to comprehensively catalogue the preserved dental remains, including unerupted teeth. Information about the internal preservation provided here and via human-fossil-record.org will facilitate research applications for access to the original CT volumes from the relevant curatorial institution.