The curse of Toumaï: an ancient skull, a disputed femur and a bitter feud over humanity’s origins

The Audio Long Read

The Guardian

Society & Culture

4.3 • 2.4K Ratings

🗓️ 21 July 2025

⏱️ 62 minutes

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Summary

When fossilised remains were discovered in the Djurab desert in 2001, they were hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. But not everyone was convinced – and the bitter argument that followed has consumed the lives of scholars ever since By Scott Sayare. Read by Bert Seymour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

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1:39.7	The Curse of Tumai, an ancient skull, a disputed femur, and a bitter feud over humanity's origins by
1:47.7	Scott Sayer, read by Bert Seymour.
	...

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