It is objects that make us human. That idea lies behind a project by the British Museum and the BBC to tell human history through 100 artefacts. Neil MacGregor, the museum’s director, is chief narrator.

In this article he introduces a hand axe, a mummy case, and a swimming reindeer.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6990342.ece

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A History of the World in 100 Objects, which will be broadcast in three tranches this year, is the culmination of a three-year collaboration between the British Museum and the BBC. Every morning MacGregor will discuss one artefact in each of the 15-minute programmes that comprise this 100-part epic. Each week will be tied to a particular theme, such as the Ice Age or exploration, and will slice one time period five ways, taking objects made in different parts of the world at roughly the same moment. This is our own ascent-of-man story served up in bite-sized, digestible chunks.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6973813.ece