Ancient craniological polymorphism of the African continent and the problems of its interpretation

Introduction. New facts on paleoanthropology, genetics and archaeology of the African region require their comprehension in line with existing theoretical concepts Russian foreign authors. Materials methods. The latest data paleoanthropological finds from continent Middle Late Pleistocene period are considered article application comparative morphological hypothetical-deductive methods to analysis. Results. Craniological polymorphism ancient population Africa is particular importance solving problems evolution Homo sapiens. All work divided into two main groups – earlier one, dating end Pleistocene, Pleistocene. results possibilities using various methodological approaches creation evolutionary models analyzed. For interpretation craniological polymorphism, most promising concept G. Bräuer, which largely intersects constructions V.V. Bunak A.A. Zubov. these researchers create a real basis for discussing idea so-called "African multiregionalism", proposed today as an alternative recent ideas about East center sapiens formation. Conclusion. A high level differentiation found already at earliest stages appearance genus Homo. complex picture epochal dynamics poses number questions modern researchers, including question criteria species sapiens, relevant physical anthropology.