Re-Humanization of Remains after South African Apartheid - Annalin Matabane
Join us for a compelling episode as we delve into the work of Annalin Matabane, a cultural heritage researcher and the founder of Reach Archaeology Consulting. Annalin specializes in the management, conservation, and ethical excavation of human remains. As one of the first black South African-born females in Cultural Resource Management, she advocates for inclusiveness and equality in archaeology and heritage. In this episode, we explore Annalin’s extensive background, including her undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Physical Geography, her Postgraduate Honours degree in Archaeology, and her Master’s degree in Archaeology from the University of Pretoria. She is a member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) and is well-versed in South African heritage legislation, policy research, rock art interpretation, and the management of cultural heritage. Annalin’s primary research focuses on the ‘re-humanisation’ of human remains, emphasizing the ethical considerations and contemporary challenges in Cultural Resource Management. Listen as she discusses her work in the preservation and conservation of burial grounds and graves, and how she assists communities in managing these culturally sensitive sites. With over 10 years of experience, Annalin brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate commitment to preserving heritage and promoting equality within the field of archaeology. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the complexities and significance of her work in post-apartheid South Africa.
3 Jun 202453min
Examining Fossil Bias with Dr. Ryan McRae
Join us as we welcome Dr. Ryan McRae to discuss the African fossil record and the inherent biases that shape our understanding of hominin evolution. In this episode, we delve into why certain types of fossils, like teeth, are more commonly found and whether this is due to their abundance or the methods we use in fossil searches. Dr. Ryan McRae is a paleoanthropologist whose research focuses on the hominin fossil record on a macroscopic scale. His Ph.D. work examined the biases in fossil recognition and the implications for identifying species and understanding evolutionary relationships. Ryan’s expertise in osteology, anatomy, and comparative morphology, combined with his passion for education and public outreach, makes for an enlightening discussion. Discover how biases in fossil discovery and cataloging affect our perception of human evolution and hear about the latest trends and theories in the field. Don’t miss this fascinating episode that sheds light on the complexities of paleoanthropological research. About Dr. Ryan McRae: Ryan McRae earned his B.A. from Yale University in Biological Anthropology and Archaeological Sciences and his Ph.D. from George Washington University in Hominid Paleobiology. He currently contributes to the Human Origins Program as a contractor, focusing on research, education, and international collaboration. His work aims to enhance science literacy and engage the public in discussions about human evolution.
3 Jun 202442min
The Anatomical Foundations of Paleoanthropology with Dr. Bernard Wood
In this episode of “The Story of Us,” we are honored to host Dr. Bernard Wood, a pioneering figure in the field of paleoanthropology and anatomy. Dr. Wood, currently a Professor of Human Origins and Human Evolutionary Anatomy at George Washington University, has significantly advanced our understanding of hominin anatomy and evolutionary morphology. Dr. Wood’s remarkable career began in medicine before transitioning to academia in 1972. He held esteemed positions at institutions such as the University of London and the University of Liverpool, and has been a key member of numerous influential research groups, including Richard Leakey’s first expedition to Lake Rudolf. Throughout this episode, Dr. Wood shares his extensive research on human evolutionary history, discussing innovative methods for analyzing the hominin fossil record and applying bioinformatics to improve data analysis. His work emphasizes the importance of a comparative context in studying hominin evolution, and he highlights significant contributions to the field, such as his role in editing the Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Human Evolution. Join us for an enlightening conversation that delves into the anatomical foundations of our origins, the evolution of our species, and the future directions of paleoanthropological research. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected experts in the field. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, share, and support our mission to provide open access to valuable human origins resources. The more we understand our past, the better prepared we are to shape our future.
29 Mai 202444min
Unlocking the Secrets of Gestural Communication in Great Apes with Dr. Kirsty Graham
In this episode of “The Story of Us,” we embark on an exciting exploration of gestural communication among our closest relatives, the great apes. Dr. Kirsty Graham, a leading expert in the field, joins us to delve into how chimpanzees and other great apes use gestures to convey meaning and interact with one another. Discover the fascinating parallels between human sign language and the gestures used by these majestic animals. Dr. Graham shares her groundbreaking research and remarkable fieldwork experiences, offering insights into the evolution of communication and cognitive abilities in our early ancestors. Join us as we discuss the scientific significance of gestural communication, the implications for understanding human evolution, and the incredible discoveries made in the field. This episode promises to enlighten and inspire, shedding light on the deep connections we share with our primate cousins. Don’t miss this captivating conversation on the complex and intriguing world of great ape communication. Tune in, subscribe, and share the journey with us!
29 Mai 202441min
Anthropogeny, CARTA, and Life with Dr. Pascal Gagneux
In this exciting episode of “The Story of Us,” we are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Professor Pascal Gagneux from UC San Diego. As the Executive Co-Director of CARTA (Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny), Dr. Gagneux brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolutionary mechanisms driving primate molecular diversity. Join us as we delve into the fascinating work being done under Dr. Gagneux’s direction at CARTA. We discuss his extensive research on wild chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast, the population genetics of West African chimpanzees, and the critical differences in sialic acid biology between humans and chimpanzees that shed light on our evolutionary path. Dr. Gagneux also shares insights into the innovative graduate specialization in Anthropogeny he helped establish in 2011, providing a unique interdisciplinary program that bridges social and natural sciences. Tune in to learn more about the groundbreaking work of CARTA and gain valuable advice from Dr. Gagneux on navigating the complex field of anthropogeny. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode!
29 Mai 20241h 4min
Unveiling Human Growth and Development with Dr. Zachary Cofran
Join us for a milestone episode of “The Story of Us” as we reach our fiftieth installment with a special guest, Dr. Zachary Cofran, a distinguished professor from Vassar College in New York. In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the intricacies of human growth and development, shedding light on this often overlooked but crucial aspect of our evolutionary journey. Dr. Cofran shares his insights and expertise, exploring how our growth patterns influence not just our species but our individual identities. Tune in to hear about Dr. Cofran’s groundbreaking research, his career path, and valuable advice for aspiring anthropologists and enthusiasts. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between our ancient past and modern understanding. Be sure to catch this episode and celebrate our fiftieth journey together on “The Story of Us”!
29 Mai 202452min
Neanderthals, Naledi, and Cave Art!
Welcome to this episode! Are you ready to hear some awesome news on rock art, and so much more? George is an Associate Professor and currently lectures part-time at the Geosciences Centre, University of Coimbra (IPT), Portugal. He is a member of management and academic committee and lectures architectural and landscape theory, prehistory and art, excavation and European heritage planning legislation and policy. Prior to this, George lectured at Bristol University, between 1998 and 2016. Here, George ran the final two years of a part-time degree, with also input to the fulltime BA and MA in Landscape programmes. At IPT George is responsible for MA/PhD supervision for undertakes research. Away from academia, George is Principal Archaeologist with SLR Consulting and is responsible for SLR’s built heritage capabilities. George has over 30 years’ experience within the commercial heritage sector. George also has an extensive publishing record with over 35 authored, edited and co-edited books and 140 academic papers in print: focusing on the European post-medieval built heritage, prehistoric mortuary architecture, and prehistoric art. He is associated with a number of British and European university institutions and is a full member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA) Be sure to like and subscribe for more!
25 Mai 20241h
Digging up Homo Naledi, Learning about Ancient Greece, and More! Join us for The Story of Us!
On this episode of The Story of Us, we are talking to classic archaeologist Dr. Flint Dibble, son of a famed Archaeologist, Harold Dibble, (now we know where he got his name right?) Working mostly with Ancient Greece and their eating habits by analyzing animal bone remains in midden heaps and in other locations throughout Ancient Greece, he has been crucial to the understanding of the changes that occurred in eating habits due to changes in society and climate. Along with this, thanks to what he learned from his father Harold, who did an extraordinary amount of work on Neanderthal burials, as well as the first Homo sapiens child burial yet discovered. Because of this, Dr. Flint has had a great deal to say about the pre prints, and documentary put out by the Naledi team. Goring up hearing about Neanderthals, burials, what is and is not required etc. he as well as being on some of the digs himself, Flint has a great deal to say, which you can watch on his channel, as he discusses the Naledi Saga as I like to call it, he even has one of the Peer Reviews on to discuss why the peer review team came to the conclusion that that they did. Watch, enjoy and remember that there is always more to learn!
25 Mai 202454min
