Hominid evolution in northwest Africa and the question of the north African “Neanderthaloids”

Abstract

AbstractThe North African evidence bearing on hominid evolution is summarized and reviewed in relation to its industrial associations and apparent chronological order. Three tacit suppositions of the past and their effects on taxonomy and thinking in evolutionary anthropology are examined, namely the concepts of a single and unique origin of Man, of the inherent and essential, distinction between physical and spiritual Man, and of physical resemblance as absolute proof of relationship. The consequent confusion and looseness of application which have characterized hominid taxonomy, especially concerning the term Neanderthal and its derivatives, are examined and discussed primarily in relation to the so‐called Neanderthals of northern Africa.It is suggested that the Atlanthropus remains may represent not one but two hominid varieties. Further it is argued that none of the North African remains are demonstrably related to the European Neanderthals and that some at least of them seem clearly unrelated. In conclusion it is suggested that the hominid remains from Ternifine, the Littorina Cave (Casablanca), Témara, Rabat, Jebel Irhoud and Tangier may represent links in a North African chain of hominid evolution which developed locally and remained independent of all external influence during the period covered by those specimens.