Tibia and fibula

Abstract

This chapter presents description and analysis of the Sterkfontein tibiae and fibulae, which have not previously been subjected to a careful systematic study. Among these elements, there is a clear range of variation expressed in several functionally relevant features. The distal tibia, StW 358, uniquely exhibits an absence of metaphyseal expansion beyond the talar facet, which appears unique among hominins. If the fibular shaft, StW 356, is associated with StW 358, it could offer additional functional insights into the locomotor repertoire of this individual that might help contextualize this apparently unique trait. Two sets of paired proximal and distal tibiae, StW 514/515 and StW 389/567, suggest possible functional differences in knee and ankle joint configurations, albeit the first is smaller in size than the second. Additional morphological and functional evaluation of variation expressed in many of the features exhibited by these Sterkfontein fossils, along with systematic comparisons to new discoveries from the site, will undoubtedly further elucidate the potential existence of distinct “morphs” in the Sterkfontein hominin fossil assemblage.