Description:

West Africa, Morocco, Oufaten, Devonian period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago. This fossilized trilobite is embedded in a stone matrix and belongs to a smaller genus, previously classified as Otarion, sometimes recognized as part of the genus Cyphaspis. Featuring three free-standing spines extending from its exoskeleton, which likely served as a defense mechanism. Its cephalon (head) has a bulbous formation between the eyes, with a textured, bumpy surface. The fossil has been carefully excavated and prepared, with the trilobite positioned as if teetering atop the stone, its cephalon and pygidium (rear end) slightly enrolled. This rolling behavior was a defense tactic to protect the soft underbelly. This trilobite likely sensed a threat and may have attempted to protect itself by enrolling, but ultimately, it was unable to survive whatever natural disaster or mass extinction event occurred. Size of stone matrix: 3.25" L x 2" W x 2.5" H (8.3 cm x 5.1 cm x 6.4 cm); fossil: 1" L x 0.6" W (2.5 cm x 1.5 cm); domed case: 5.5" Diameter x 4.5" H (14 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: Private Berthoud, Colorado, 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.

#190713

  • Condition: Professionally prepared. With repairs, visible break line extends across matrix trilobite fossil. Spines are reattached. Superb preservation. Comes mounted in a plastic bell jar display case.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 20, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

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

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