Koobi Fora

Koobi Fora, an archaeological site, is located in east Africa. More specifically, it’s on the east side of Lake Turkana. Richard Leakey first excavated Koobi Fora in 1967. At this site, both Australopithecenes and early Homo fossils have been found. Richard Leakey uncovered approximately four hundred fossils at the Koobi Fora. As a result, the site is known for having the richest and most varied human remains that have been found in the world.

The first discoveries in the fossil beds at Koobi Fora were made by surface prospecting. This involved locating areas where bones and teeth are exposed as a result of soil erosion. Some of the finds include a complete skeleton, several skulls, and a few dozen lower jaws. Also found were leg and arm fragments and some teeth.

Leakey and his archaeological team recovered a fossil hominid, called 1470, which is classified as Homo habilis. This fossil is associated with the stone artifacts also found at the sites. The thousands of tools found were thought to have been used for a variety of purposes. The main purpose, though, was to cut meat off of bones and to break open larger bones to get the marrow inside. This creature, Homo habilis, is believed to have lived 2,000,000 years ago and be of direct ancestor of modern man, Homo sapiens sapiens.

Written By: Katie Bohr

Sources:

“History of Koobi Fora.” Koobi Fora Field School (11/3/99) http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~mjr/index1.html (12/3/99).

“The Jade Sea and a Treasure-Trove of Fossils.” Mesa Community College Anthropology (8/8/99) http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/anthro/origins/Koobi/koobi1.html (12/3/99).

“Koobi Fora Remains.” Encyclopedia Brittanica http://www.britannica.com/ (12/3/99).