To the 130th of Yakov Yakovlevich Roginsky (1895–1986)

Abstract

Introduction. This article reviews the scientific legacy of the eminent Russian anthropologist
Y.Y. Roginsky. His research had a significant impact on the subsequent development of the theoretical underpinnings of Russian anthropology. This work aims to identify the central tenets of Y.Y. Roginsky's concepts regarding the origin, evolution and differentiation of humanity, and to assess their significance for modern science. It examines his views on the initial stages of hominin formation and the role of Neanderthals in human evolution, as well as the factors that led to the success of modern humans. The hypothesis of «broad
monocentrism», which explains the origin of human races, is also discussed briefly. Particular attention is paid to the scientist's ideas about the psychological and social differences between Neanderthals and early modern humans, including intragroup aggression, and the significance of art as an indicator of Homo sapiens' cognitive uniqueness.

Materials and methods. This study is based on Y.Y. Roginsky's writings, recollections of him, personal diaries and contemporary publications on topics related to his work. Using the historical method and a comparative approach, the theoretical constructions of Y. Y. Roginsky could be compared with contemporary concepts.

Results. Y.Y. Roginsky's interdisciplinary scientific approach is based on the comprehensive application of data from morphology, paleoanthropology, archaeology, ethology and psychology. Y.Y. Roginsky's theoretical concepts are united by one central theme: the study of patterns in the formation of modern humans and how they differ from other ancient human species. His works address issues such as the earliest origins of humans, the reality of the «Neanderthal phase» in human evolution, mono- and polycentrism in the differentiation of Homo sapiens into separate races, the reconstruction of potential differences between modern humans and their ancestors, the Upper Paleolithic art, and the uniqueness of the human personality.

Conclusion. The structure, content and interdisciplinary nature of modern anthropology, as well as the broad range and depth of issues studied, are largely based on the scientific concepts and methodological approaches of one of the most notable anthropologists of 20th century, Yakov Yakovlevich Roginsky. © 2025. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

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