Toothless H. erectus Facial Reconstruction

From Dmanisi, Georgia, this elderly, toothless individual of the local Homo erectus population sheds new light on our ancestors' behavior 1.8 million years ago. Despite having small brains (625 cc for the toothless fellow vs ~1375 cc for average modern), these small hominids seem to have cared for each other enough to allow elderly individuals to survive despite being largely unable to chew food. Their possible close relationship to the diminutive Homo floresiensis is intriguing in that both made complex stone tools despite having smaller brains than more advanced Homo erectus and later hominids. Without knowing the minds behind such behavior, the thought process guiding such activity is unknowable. But it's certainly interesting that such early members of our genus appear to have acquired the supposedly unique human quality of compassion and caring. Our evolution continues to be a fascinating and surprising story of physical and mental changes over time and across continents. In keeping with this individual's advanced age, I've drawn him with a right eye clouded by cataracts. Thanks for looking.