Description:

North America, Western United States, South Dakota, Pennington County, White River / Brule Formation, Oligocene, ca. 33 to 30 million years ago. A fossilized upper skull from a prehistoric mammal known as an oreodont (Merycoidodon culbertsoni). The preparer took special care to carve out the stone matrix encasing the skull to give definition to the bone structure - especially around the delicate eye sockets! Most of the molars are intact and have the characteristic pointed high crown shape which inspired Merycoidodontoidea's common name "oreodont," translating to "mountain tooth." These extinct mammals were herbivores and had traits that are often described as pig-like and certain species ranged in size from modern day sheep to large cows. They once roamed the prehistoric North American grasslands in herds grinding up the plants with their "mountainous" teeth. Size: 6.25" L x 3.5" W x 2.5" H (15.9 cm x 8.9 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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.

#182392

  • Condition: Professionally prepared and repaired as expected and stabilizing adhesive added to areas and repairs. Losses to the nasal area, right zygomatic arch, and premolars, canines, and incisors. Stone matrix carefully removed around the orbital eye sockets. Approximately 95% or more original material and great remaining molars!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 30, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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