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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Perfect fossil sea urchin embedded in matrix
Asterocidaris bistriata is a rare and fascinating extinct fossil sea urchin species belonging to the Hemicidaridae family, lived during the Middle Jurassic (about 170 million years ago, specifically the Bajocian stage). These benthic marine organisms inhabited rich prehistoric ocean ecosystems, feeding as deposit feeders and grazers on the seabed. The fossil is sought by collectors for the elegant radial arrangement of its spines (radioles). Preserved intact on its original matrix, the animal evokes the image of a flower in full bloom. The central shell (theca) typically measures about 20–30 mm in diameter, while the imposing surrounding spines can exceed 34 mm in length. Morocco is the country from which the best specimens on the market come, where the fossilization process attains the highest quality. These are very ancient specimens, so fossils, like the beautiful specimen up for auction, are often prepared by professionals who clean the calcareous matrix to reveal the details of the shell. The spines detached over millennia are meticulously repositioned on the original shell to restore the natural appearance of the echinoid in life. A precious object to add to a collection, a sought-after display piece, a lot you simply have to win. Stand not included, made from reclaimed material and used for photographic purposes only. Happy bidding.
Estimate:£278.83
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£278.83
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East Greenlandic mask of driftwood with strap of seal skin. Tasiilaq.
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Carved wooden horse. Mounted on iron stand. Southeast Asia. 20th century.
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