Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage
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Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage
An interdisciplinary museological, scientific, and educational project of the
Croatian Natural History Museum dedicated to one of the most important fossil
finds in the Museum’s holdings — the so-called Skull C, also known as Krapina 3.
About the Exhibition
The exhibition “Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage”
is an interdisciplinary museological, scientific, and educational project of the
Croatian Natural History Museum, dedicated to one of the most important fossil
finds in the Museum’s holdings — the so-called Skull C, or Krapina 3.
It is the most complete and best-known find from the Krapina Diluvium Collection,
representing an essential reference point in world paleoanthropology and the science
of human evolution.
Scientific Significance
Krapina Neanderthal site
The Neanderthal site in Krapina is one of the key locations of world
paleoanthropology. It was discovered at the end of the 19th century on
Hušnjakovo Hill in Krapina and excavated from 1899 to 1905 under the leadership
of the renowned Croatian scientist Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger.
Age and preservation
The finds are approximately 130,000 years old and are preserved at the Croatian
Natural History Museum in Zagreb.
Krapina collection
The Krapina collection represents the largest collection of Neanderthal remains
found at a single site. It is estimated that remains of several dozen individuals
of both sexes and different ages were found there, enabling experts to gain many
new insights into Neanderthals and to compare them with finds from other European
and Asian sites.
Skull C
Although the collection is large, Skull C is its best-known part. In addition
to anatomical studies, traces found on its frontal bone also speak to the symbolic
sphere of Neanderthal life.
Exhibition Setup
Presentation of the original fossil find
Specially designed museum protective case with controlled microclimatic and lighting conditions
A film produced especially for this occasion, with 2D and 3D animations
Scientific commentary on the significance of Skull C in the broader context of Neanderthal research
The central part of the exhibition is the presentation of the original fossil find,
displayed in a specially designed museological protective case that ensures controlled
microclimatic and lighting conditions.
This offers visitors a unique opportunity to directly experience an artefact of
invaluable scientific and cultural significance.
Educational and Supporting Program
Visitors will have access to
- educational interactive materials
- accompanying publications, such as the exhibition catalogue
- expert guided tours
- workshops for children, young people, and schools
- didactic content and adapted guided tours
Special attention is given to educational programs for children, young people, and
schools, contributing to the popularization of natural history and science among
younger generations.
Discussion Programs
As part of the program, discussion programs intended for the public and the scientific
community are also planned, involving museum staff and external collaborators from
the fields of anthropology, paleoanthropology, and museology.
In this way, the exhibition is positioned not only as a museum presentation, but
also as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Exhibition Approach
The exhibition is designed to be accessible to the general public while remaining
scientifically grounded and relevant to experts.
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Authors
Dražen Japundžić; Ivor Janković