Early Homo · New finding · 2024+
Homo affinis erectus
"Pink"
1.4–1.1 Ma·300 ka·Discovered 2022
Description
The oldest human face in Western Europe. Published in Nature, March 2025. Possibly a new species.
Notable facts
- Nicknamed "Pink" in honor of Pink Floyd
- Reconstructed from 3D-imaged fragments
- Flatter nose than H. antecessor
- Confirms H. erectus reached Western Europe
Key specimens
ATE7-1
"Pink" — partial face
Left side of an adult midface, found at level TE7 of Sima del Elefante, Atapuerca, Spain. Published in Nature, March 2025.
Anatomy
Flatter, more primitive midface than H. antecessor; closer to H. erectus.
Locomotion
Likely modern bipedal.
Diet
Unknown specifics; site contains butchered animal remains.
Tools & culture
Mode 1 stone tools at the same level.
Where to see it
CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Burgos, Spain.
Media & references
Huguet et al. (2025). The earliest human face of Western Europe. Nature.
doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08681-0 ↗