Overview
A remarkable species combining a small brain (approximately 560 cc, comparable to australopiths) with a surprisingly recent date of 236-335 KYA. Known from over 1,500 fossil elements representing at least 15 individuals from deep chambers in the Rising Star Cave system. The inaccessibility of the Dinaledi and Lesedi Chambers suggests deliberate disposal of the dead. The hand was well-suited for tool-making and climbing. Challenges the assumption that increasing brain size defines human evolution.
Key Fossils
DH1 (cranium), numerous postcranial elements from 15+ individuals
Brain Anatomy
No Cranial Data Available
Tools & Technology
Specific Tool Types
| Tool | Material | Function | Tradition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flake tool | stone | Cutting meat, slicing plant material | Oldowan |
Diet & Food Sources
Unknown; no associated food remains
| Food Source | Type | Evidence | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubers and roots (C3) | Tuber | Inferred | Weak |
Social Behavior
Naledi wrist fracture Possible
Healed trauma suggests survival and possible assistance.
Evidence: DH1 postcranial pathology/healing
H. naledi deliberate body disposal Probable
Over 15 individuals deposited in extremely remote cave chambers, accessible only through narrow passages. The effort required suggests deliberate, repeated disposal of the dead by a small-brained species.
Evidence: 1500+ elements in remote chambers requiring dangerous navigation; no other explanation for accumulation
Social Organization
| Group Size | 20–40 individuals |
|---|---|
| Method | Site area |
| Structure | Multi male multi female |
| Sexual Dimorphism | 1.05x (male/female body mass) |
H. naledi: repeated cave deposition implies coordinated group behavior.
Archaeological Evidence
15+ H. naledi individuals deposited in extremely difficult-to-access cave chambers, suggesting deliberate disposal of the dead despite small brain size.
Key Specimens
| Specimen | Name | Site | Year | Age (MYA) | Completeness | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DH1 | Neo / H. naledi holotype | Rising Star Cave | 2013 | 0.34 | 50.00% | Holotype of H. naledi |
| DH3 | H. naledi hand | Rising Star Cave | 2013 | 0.34 | 25.00% | Derived hand morphology in small-brained hominin |
Life History
| Estimated Lifespan | ~35 years |
|---|---|
| Age at Maturity | ~13.0 years |
| Weaning Age | ~3.0 years |
| Interbirth Interval | ~4.0 years |
| Gestation | ~8.5 months |
| Dental Development | DH1 adolescent: maturation pace debated |
| Brain Growth | Small cranial capacity vs geologically young age |
| Growth Comparison | Uncertain; possibly rapid dental development |
| Confidence | Estimated from fossils |
Pathology & Healthcare Evidence
Healed fracture — DH1
Affected: Wrist/hand
Healed fracture of manual elements (published assessment of DH1 postcrania).
Survival: Healed prior to death
Comparative Anatomy
| Encephalization Quotient | 2.75 |
|---|---|
| Intermembral Index | 88.0 |
| Locomotion | Obligate biped |
| Foramen Magnum | Anterior |
| Precision Grip | Developed |
| Pelvic Shape | Intermediate |
| Robusticity | Gracile |
| Big Toe | Fully adducted |
| Thorax | Intermediate |
H. naledi: small brain; human-like foot/wrist mosaic.
Isotope Analyses
| System | Value | Material | Site | Date (MYA) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| delta C13 | -10.00 | Enamel | Rising Star Cave | 0.300 | Rising Star: illustrative mixed C3/C4 context for southern Africa (local ecology). |
Dating Evidence
| Method | Date (MYA) | Uncertainty | Material | Site / Specimen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESR | 0.3350 | ± 0.0500 | Tooth enamel (H. naledi) | Rising Star Cave |
| U series | 0.2360 | ± 0.0300 | Flowstone ages (Dinaledi) | Rising Star Cave / DH1 |
3D Fossil Scans
61 3D scan(s) available from MorphoSource.
Calcaneus [Mesh] [StrLight]
University of Minnesota, Department of Anthropology
Capitate [Mesh] [Etc]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Hamate [Mesh] [Etc]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Homo Naledi Merged Right Foot [Mesh] [Laser]
Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey
Homo Naledi Right Femur [Mesh] [Laser]
Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey
Homo Naledi Right Fibula [Mesh] [Laser]
Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey
Homo Naledi Right Patella [Mesh] [Laser]
Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey
Homo Naledi Right Shank [Mesh] [Laser]
Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey
Les1 Homo Naledi 'Neo' Reconstruction Of Cranium [Mesh] [Laser]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Lunate [Mesh] [Etc]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Lunate [Mesh] [Etc]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Manual Dp1 [Mesh] [Etc]
Evolutionary Studies Institute
Showing 12 of 61 models.
3D data from MorphoSource. Individual media may have specific usage terms.
Scientific References
- (2017). "The age of Homo naledi and associated sediments in the Rising Star Cave". eLife 6:e24231
- (2015). "Homo naledi, a new species of the genus Homo from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa". eLife 4:e09560. DOI:10.7554/eLife.09560 (374 citations)