My husband’s skull finally arrived in the mail

For Christmas, my parents gave my husband a reproduction of a skull specimen of australopithecus africanus. My husband is a biology teacher who is extremely interested in the study of evolution, so this makes perfect sense. We were expecting it by Christmas, but it didn’t arrive until this week.

The specimen is called the Taung Child, and was discovered in 1924 in South Africa. It is believed to be of a three year old child. It fits in the palm of my hand. It’s crazy to hold that in my hand, and then look at my own three year old, who has a huge head in comparison, and think that they came from the same distant ancestor. Kind of the same feeling I get when I take him to the zoo.

January 26, 2008 | Filed Under pix

Comments

8 Responses to “My husband’s skull finally arrived in the mail”

B on January 27th, 2008 8:26 am

I loved the title of this post. A real attention grabber.

What a thoughtful, useful gift. And if your husband ever tires of having it in his classroom, you could put it on your coffee table as a conversation starter when guests come to visit.
DeeJay on January 27th, 2008 3:17 pm

Never would have guessed that it was such a tiny skull. Makes me sad for the Mama.

Thanks for sharing.
maliavale on January 27th, 2008 5:41 pm

A good way to get ahead in life …

So, that was me (Mary) this morning at knitting. I think I was not clear about that when I said I thought we knew each other — perhaps more confusing than not! Very sorry. But otherwise it was nice to meet you, and good luck with the sweater vest!
Elizabeth on January 27th, 2008 11:01 pm

I love the box it came in(Seen on flickr)! What a strange, yet unique, gift. Any reactions from Owen?
Lisa the domestic diva on January 28th, 2008 12:04 pm

Heck, it would make a great Halloween prop, right?

LOL

With friendship,
Lisa
otter on January 30th, 2008 7:22 pm

So, does Iain’s head explode when people oppose the teaching of evolution in schools? Or just mine? Because I’m gettin’ pretty riled right now just thinking about it.

By the way, that is an AWESOME present.
Aimee Greeblemonkey on January 31st, 2008 5:06 pm

My husband would love this and he’s NOT a biology teacher!!!
Kelley on February 1st, 2008 6:48 am

AWESOME!!!

Do you think Skulls unlimited ship to Australia? My girls would go in-sane at getting that!!!

They are Bio nerds.