Description:

Western United States, South Dakota, Pennington County, White River Series, Brule Formation, Oligocene, ca. 37 to 32 million years ago. A superb and nearly complete fossilized skull and jaws of a Mesohippus bairdii, an early three-toed horse that once roamed the Dakota region of North America millions of years ago. Mesohippus represents an intermediate stage in the transition from smaller, 4-toed ancestors to the larger, single-toed (hoofed) horses we are familiar with today. As the skull size indicates, Mesohippus was a tiny equine - about 2 feet (60 cm) in height at the shoulders, with slender legs, 3 toes, and high crowned teeth for browsing on leaves, twigs, and fruit. Primitive horse fossils of this condition are rare and highly desirable for the great scientific importance they represent in horse evolution, as well as their visual appeal. Size: 8" L x 3" W x 4.25" H (20.3 cm x 7.6 cm x 10.8 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; excavated on private land in Pennington County, South Dakota, USA in 1971

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#183870

  • Condition: Professionally prepared and restored. Minor restoration with new material to the rear jaws, sagittal crest, zygomatic arch, and the front incisors. Overall excellent and choice condition. A rare specimen!

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March 28, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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