
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM

All auctions / Ancient Art / Fossil Tusk of Mammuthus Primigenius - Pleistocene Epoch


This extraordinary fossil tusk belongs to Mammuthus primigenius, better known as the woolly mammoth, one of the most iconic species of the Pleistocene (circa 400,000–10,000 years ago). This species was characterized by its remarkable ability to adapt to the harsh climates of the Eurasian and North American steppe-tundra. The tusks, often long and slightly curved, served both as a tool for digging in the snow in search of food and as a defensive and social element during interactions. The tusk exhibits a natural curvature and preserves excellent structural integrity despite the long fossilization process. The surface shows a remarkable range of tones from light brown to gray, a result of mineralization that occurred over thousands of years. This tusk was probably part of an adult specimen in full maturity. The interior of the tusk, visible in a broken section, highlights the lamellar ivory structure, which provides unique information about the growth and age of the animal. Mounted on a wooden and metal stand, the tusk is perfectly balanced for museum displays or private collections. The stand design highlights the curvature and natural features of the artefact, making it a central element for paleontology or natural history exhibitions. Mammuthus primigenius is one of the best-documented prehistoric animals thanks to discoveries of frozen remains in Siberian permafrost, which have preserved even soft tissues and DNA. The tusks, moreover, were often recovered and also used by ancient populations, who turned them into tools or ornaments.
Estimate:£6,092.35
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art
Estimate:
£6,092.35
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OCT 17 | 10:00 PM

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