1. Home
2. Archive
3. 2011
4. 4/2011
5. The ways of evolutionary anthropology in Russia and role of The Institute and Museum of anthropology in its development

The ways of evolutionary anthropology in Russia and role of The Institute and Museum of anthropology in its development

Kharitonov V.M.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mokhovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia

Kharitonov V.M., e-mail: h1946v@yandex.ru

Abstract

Evolutionary anthropology in Moscow University has been developing since the 1920-s. Its history is closely connected with the names of many Russian anthropologists. The main trends of its development in MSU were the following: the analysis of authentic bony remains of hominid from archeological excavations in Russia, the reconstruction of the factors and mechanisms of anthropogenesis, the theory and practice of classification of hominids and primates. Some works of Russian scientists honored the international recognition and some of them received state and professional awards. The theoretical works of specialists from Moscow University often contained the criticism of anthropogenesis models opposite to simial conception and Darwin’s theory. The period of time in anthropogenesis theory was characterized by exaggeration of non-biological factors and substantiation of stadial model of hominids evolution and theory of “Neanderthal stage”. The work with collections of The Museum of anthropology that included bony remains of hominids, copies of paleoanthropological findings, skeletons and stuffed primates played a big role in research of anthropogenesis. The work of Laboratory of brain evolution held a specific place in The Institute history. Research in the area of evolutionary anthropology continues in collaboration with the specialists of other natural and social sciences. The results of this work were published in a number of monographs. At the present time the development of evolutionary anthropology is characterized by maintaining the best traditions of researches that had place in The Institute and Museum of Anthropology.

Keywords

biological anthropology, evolutionary anthropology, anthropogenesis, hominid, paleoanthropological findings, The Institute and Museum of Anthropology MSU

Цит.: Kharitonov V.M. The ways of evolutionary anthropology in Russia and role of The Institute and Museum of anthropology in its development // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2011; 4/2011; с. 119-136