Hominin Fossils

This collection of viewable hominin fossil 3D models was produced by the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program by 3D scanning casts and other replicas which are now on display in the Hall of Human Origins at the National Museum of Natural History. The skulls are different colors because as they fossilized they absorbed minerals from the surrounding soil, and different minerals cause different colors. The black areas show where researchers reconstructed missing parts.

Please note that the 3D models in this collection are not available for download. These are copies of specimens and objects that are owned and curated by other museums/institutions; thus, we do not distribute these data. For more information, please visit https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/3d-collection.