In the depths of Margaux Cave in Belgium’s Meuse Valley, a remarkable discovery was made in the late 1980s: the remains of at least nine Mesolithic women who lived over 10,000 years ago. After decades of research, one of these individuals, known as the “Margaux woman,” has been brought back to life through advanced genetics and forensic artistry. The bust was unveiled on June 16, 2025, in Dinant, Belgium, showcasing a middle-aged woman with features reminiscent of modern indigenous people, including blue-grey eyes and ochre body markings. The Margaux woman lived approximately 10,500 years ago, shortly after the last Ice Age.
During this time, the forests of Europe were flourishing with life. She belonged to a group of Western European hunter-gatherers, akin to the famous Cheddar Man from Britain. Though she shared the same blue eyes as Cheddar Man, her skin tone was slightly lighter than that of many others from her time. This revelation, made possible by DNA extracted from her well-preserved skull, highlights a more diverse range of skin pigmentation among Mesolithic populations than previously understood.
The reconstruction of the Margaux woman was undertaken by Dutch twin brothers Adrie and Alfons Kennis, known for their paleo-anthropological work. Using a combination of forensic modelling and genetic insights, they crafted an intimate representation of this ancient individual, complete with a shaven head and painted shoulders, evoking the life she once led among the ancient trees and rivers. Although the cause of her death remains uncertain, hints of her life as a hunter-gatherer emerge from archaeological evidence. She likely thrived in a community that settled in camps, utilizing diverse diets that included wild game and plant foods.
As her story travels to schools and communities, the Margaux woman’s visage serves as a poignant reminder that we share more in common with our ancient ancestors than we often realize.