Using small fragments of cranial bones, a team of Brazilian specialists was successful in digitally reconstruct the face of an old miner who lived in the north of Africa approximately 3,500 years ago.
The skeleton, named Nazlet Khater 2 (NK2) — because it is the second human body discovered at the site — was originally found in 1980, in the prominent Nile Valley.
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Detailed anthropological investigations of the skeleton revealed that it was a young man, estimated to be between 17 and 20 years old. He was about 165 cm tall and descended from ancient African populations.
Distinctive features and marks on their bones indicated a life of arduous toil. He is believed to have been a worker in the mining industry, facing “hard work” conditions throughout his life.
The study, led by forensic designer Cícero Moraes in partnership with anthropologist Moacir Elias Santos, suggests that NK2 faced “physical efforts with constant weight lifting since his infancy".
(Image: Dornelles Y da Rosa Moraes/Reproduction)
Researchers Cícero Moraes, designer, and Moacir Elias Santos, archaeologist at the renowned Museum of Archeology Ciro Flamarion Cardoso, faced a great challenge when trying to remake the face of the ancient NK2 miner.
The location of the discovery, Nazlet Khater, was known for its rock mining, highlighting the work of young NK2. A bifacial ax, a tool that was probably used in this activity, was found near the body.
Despite the skeleton being almost complete, the duo faced difficulties in reconstruction, as essential parts of the skull were missing, especially in the facial region.
However, using advanced techniques, they managed to “mirror” the left part of the face, which was intact, to reconstruct the right side.
With the help of specialized software, they were able to provide a more detailed view of NK2's face, including details such as the size of his lips and nose.
Given that information such as the skin tone, eyes and hair type of the young miner cannot be precisely determined without DNA samples, the researchers decided to create a bust in shades of gray.
This representation, although not in color, provides an approximate and objective perspective of what the facial appearance of NK2 would be like, a miner who lived thousands of years ago in the Nile Valley.
(Image: Dornelles Y da Rosa Moraes/Reproduction)
In an effort to make their findings more accessible to the public, researchers Cícero Moraes and Moacir Elias Santos launched an artistic approach to reconstructing the face of the former miner NK2, found in Vale do Nile.
The representation shows the young man with open eyes, adorned with a beard and hair, with common characteristics of the inhabitants of the Egyptian region at that time. However, experts point out that there are “speculative” elements in the reconstruction.
“This work, intended for presentation to the general public, provides the necessary elements for a complete humanization of the individual”, say Moraes and Santos.
(Image: Dornelles Y da Rosa Moraes/Reproduction)
It is important to highlight that, in the past, other reconstruction attempts were made for humans discovered in Nazlet Khater. Regarding all of them, it is essential to understand that they are just approximations.
Without genetic information In detail, it is impossible to recreate with absolute precision what a person looks like based on their bone structure alone.
