Fossil specimen known as "Lucy," discovered in Ethiopia, embarks on its inaugural European tour for display
In a significant move, the fragmented bones of Lucy, a 40% complete skeleton of an early human species, are currently being transported to the Czech National Museum in Prague for a two-month exhibition. Lucy, a member of the Australopithecus afarensis, lived in Africa around 4 million years ago and was discovered in Ethiopia in 1974.
The rare loan from the National Museum of Ethiopia will see Lucy displayed alongside Selam, an Australopithecus baby fossil that is about 100,000 years older than Lucy. This exhibition provides a unique insight into the past and deepens our understanding of humanity's roots, according to Michal Lukes, the director general of the Czech National Museum.
However, the departure of Lucy from Ethiopia has been a quiet event, with many Ethiopians unaware of her journey to Europe. Bekele Reta, a resident living near the museum where Lucy is housed, learned of her departure through social media. This lack of transparency has raised concerns, with Gebreegziabher expressing his apprehensions about the government's handling of the situation.
Despite these concerns, Yohannes Haile-Selassie, the Director of the Institute of Human Origins at Arizona State University, has no reservations about Lucy's safety during transportation. He believes that Lucy, as an iconic specimen, belongs to the whole world, and sharing her with humanity is a wonderful opportunity.
The real Lucy fossil is not often displayed to the public in Ethiopia, with a replica being exhibited instead. The actual remains are stored in a secure vault. Lucy's skeleton was found near fossilized remains of crocodiles, turtle eggs, and crab claws, offering a glimpse into the environment she once inhabited.
This is not the first time Lucy has left Ethiopia for display. In 2013, she toured the United States. The current exhibition in Prague marks the second time Lucy has been shared with the world, offering a rare opportunity for Europeans to witness this significant piece of human history.
However, the transportation of Lucy to Europe has also raised safety concerns due to the fragility of her bones and the risks associated with travel. The potential impact of different climate conditions on her preservation is a cause for concern. Despite these challenges, the exhibition of Lucy and Selam in the Czech National Museum promises to be an enlightening experience for all who visit.
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