Lot 112
North Africa, Morocco, Khouribga Province, late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian era, ca. 83.6 to 66 million years ago. An exceptional and complete juvenile Mosasaurus skull and lower jaws. Mosasaurus, a prehistoric marine reptile, was a massive and predatory creature with dagger-like teeth. This carnivorous aquatic lizard had a streamlined body, flattened tail, and webbed feet, resembling a flippered crocodile. Notably, it possessed additional pterygoid teeth in its throat (visible in the upper skull), believed to have helped secure prey, allowing it to swallow large portions. Mosasaurus had double-hinged jaws, much like modern snakes, and a flexible skull, enabling it to consume prey much larger than its mouth. This specimen is mounted on a custom stand. Due to its juvenile status, it is impossible to determine the exact species, though the two primary contenders are M. hoffmanni and M. bargei. Size: 19" L x 8" W (48.3 cm x 20.3 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand; largest teeth: 1.25" L x 0.75" W (3.2 cm x 1.9 cm)
If you've seen the "Jurassic World" films, Mosy is the name of the mosasaur and the star of the aquatic feeding show, later becoming an unexpected hero by breaching to eat the hybrid dinosaur at the end. While this computer-generated version is about twice the size of the largest mosasaur fossils ever discovered, it vividly brings to life these fierce predators, complete with palatal teeth in action as it chomps down on a shark. The genus Mosasaurus includes dozens of species of marine reptiles, known as mosasaurs, which - though still debated - are widely considered to be more closely related to reptiles than dinosaurs. The name Mosasaurus means "Meuse lizard," referring to the first specimen found near the Meuse (Maas) River in Maastricht, Netherlands. Fittingly, the Maastrichtian geological stage, marking the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period, is named after the formations where Mosasaurus was discovered. Before their extinction, mosasaurs were dominant marine predators, hunting fish, sharks, and even other mosasaurs. These marine reptiles achieved global distribution during the late Cretaceous, with their fossils unearthed on six continents.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired from Desert Star, Tuscon, Arizona, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#186871
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored and expected infill with new material. approximately 90% or more original material. Teeth all appear to be original, with some repairs and losses to tips. Consists of 3 separate segments and removable from the custom display stand.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |