Further assessment of a ~2-million-year-old hominin pelvis (DNH 43) from Drimolen Main Quarry, South Africa

• DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2025/17908
• Publication Date: 2025-03-26T09:52:49Z
• Authors: Ellie Berg; Ashley S. Hammond; Anna G. Warrener; Mary Shirley Mitc...; Matthew W. Tocheri; Stephanie E. Baker; Andy I.R. Herries; David S. Strait; Caley M. Orr

The palaeocave site of Drimolen Main Quarry (DMQ) in Gauteng Province, South Africa, has produced fossil hominin material dating to 2.04–1.95 Ma, including craniodental remains attributed Paranthropus robustus and the earliest specimen Homo erectus sensu lato along with numerous postcrania uncertain taxonomic affiliation. Among this collection is a partial pelvis (DNH 43), which includes sacrum elements right os coxae. Although previously described as showing similarities Australopithecus Paranthropus, comparisons across broader record have been limited DNH 43 never analysed quantitatively. Here we present digital reconstruction compare it an expanded data set specimens determine its closest morphological affinities. Overall, quantitative analysis congruent qualitative results reflecting primitive features 43, suggesting Australopithecus/Paranthropus-like anatomy, small absolute size, relatively sacroiliac articulation, moderately wide tuberoacetabular sulcus, gracile acetabulosacral buttress, obstetric dimensions that are broad. A study rare articulated shows orientation (pelvic incidence) similar recent sapiens. shares some specific metric MH2 (Australopithecus sediba) OH 28 (cf. erectus), relevance unclear given poor understanding early postcranial variation. Affiliation (which dominates DMQ assemblage) cannot be ruled out, consider assignment taxon reasonable provisional attribution.