In the framework of „International Week of Science and Innovations “ the ceremonial presentation of sculpture created by famous American paleoartist John Anthony Gourch according to the fifth skull discovered in Dmanisi was held. The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Tamar Sanikidze attended the presentation.
The sculpture is an accurate scientific reflection of how the ancient man looked like million 800 thousand years ago.
This skull is the first according to which scientists are able to study anatomy of previously unknown early human (skull brain volume is the smallest (546 cm3) among the Dmanisi skulls, which is about one-third of the modern human brain. It has the most massive, protruded face and large teeth). This sample is the only best preserved skulls of an ancient adult individual.
Dmanisi collection enables scientists for the first time to observe and to study the 1.8 million-year-old population. Dmanisi discoveries has been publicized in the scientific and popular publications. Information about the Dmanisi discoveries has been numerously covered by famous scientific and popular publications such as: Science, Independent, National Geographic, Le Figaro, New York Times, BBC, CNN, Guardian and so forth.
In 2013, an article titled -,,Complete skull from Dmanisi and Evolutionary Biology of Early Homo "- the article's co-authors are David Lortkipanidze, Abesalom Vekua and Ani Margvelashvili. It is also noteworthy that in 2000, Dmanisi Paleoanthropology discovery was declared number three among the world's ten most important archaeological discoveries.
American paleoartist John Anthony Gourch is distinguished with scientific accuracy of his works and their realistic reflection. His academic experience received in paleontology and anthropology is also formidable. His works are connected with a few ongoing researches, including primate anatomy and excavation related collections worldwide.
The works of John Anthony Gourch are exhibited in the Smithsonian (USA), Chicago Museums and American Museum of Natural History. His reconstructions have been repeatedly shown in the documentaries of National Geographic, Smithson and BBC productions. Furthermore, his works can be seen on the covers of such publications as: National Geographic, Discover and Natural History. It is John Anthony Gourch whose works were used for breakthrough movie “Jurassic Park” and so on.