Artists, scientists breathe life into prehistoric woman

Arnhem, Netherlands — The reconstructed bust of Mos'anne is lifelike. A collaboration between art and science brought about the rebirth of this woman who lived around 10,500 years ago.

Reconstructed at Belgium's Ghent University as part of a project to explore how Mesolithic hunter-gatherers lived, Mos'anne was created as a way to understand their kinship and genetics better. Isabelle de Groote led the project.

Scientists chose the skull of Mos'anne for reconstruction because it was exceptionally well preserved and had a large amount of preserved DNA, which allowed her to be reconstructed with remarkable realism.

Researchers were able to determine the Mesolithic woman's skin and eye color using genetic testing. This group is known for having very dark skin and blue eyes like Cheddar Man in Britain. Mos'anne's DNA revealed clues about her appearance, but it was the unique skills of Dutch paleo-artists Alfons and Adrie Kennis that brought her back to life.

After receiving guidance from researchers on how to use ochre pigment on Mos'anne's headband, the twins began their work by meticulously sculpting each facial muscle in clay. The biggest part of reconstruction is forming a character. It takes about six months for the brothers to complete their work, which has been globally recognized and featured in museums worldwide.

The Kennis brothers draw inspiration from archived anthropological images of early encounters between isolated populations and researchers. At the first meeting, there's nervousness, shyness. People are laughing out of nerves, said Alfons.

Much about Mos'anne remains unknown, but she seems closer to us than ever with her headband dotted with duck feathers, golden skin, and pierced animal teeth adorning her ears and necklace.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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