Ethiopia’s iconic fossils Lucy and Selam to promote nation’s rich prehistoric heritage in Europe

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s world-renowned hominid fossils, Lucy (Dinknesh) and Selam, departed today for the Czech Republic to be featured in a historic exhibition titled Human Origins and Fossils at the National Museum of the Czech Republic in Prague, opening on August 25, 2025.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, speaking at a farewell ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, said the fossils will showcase Ethiopia’s rich prehistoric heritage in a new way to international audiences. The event was attended by Czech Ambassador to Ethiopia, Miroslav Kosek. “For decades, Ethiopia has been promoting Lucy to the world; now it’s Lucy’s turn to promote the new Ethiopia to the whole world,” the Minister stated.

Discovered in Ethiopia and confirmed as some of the oldest fossils in human evolution research, Lucy and Selam will offer European visitors and researchers a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view them firsthand. The exhibition aims to give audiences a deeper understanding of why Ethiopia is referred to as the “Land of Origins” and recognized as the true cradle of humankind.

The Minister emphasized that Ethiopia’s identity as the birthplace of the human race is one of its most renowned global features, and that the government continues to make sustained efforts to enhance and promote this image internationally.

Alongside Lucy and Selam, the exhibition will feature a variety of cultural programs, including business forums, art exhibitions, and events showcasing Ethiopia’s history, heritage, and natural resources. Officials noted that these initiatives are designed to strengthen the nation’s image abroad while sharing its rich prehistoric legacy with global audiences.