Description:

Eastern Europe, Romania, Pleistocene, ca. 100,000 to 25,000 years ago. This skeleton, standing on all fours, is a reconstruction of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) created using multiple specimens to form a cohesive whole. It displays the formidable features of an adult bear, including its massive head, large teeth, and powerful limbs. The skull is large, with pronounced molars and canine teeth, indicative of its omnivorous diet, the skull alone measures 20.5 inches. Notably, the baculum (penis) bone is present in this bear skeleton. While the skeleton may consist of bones from both male and female individuals, the bear was affectionately named "Ayla" after the fictional character from "The Clan of the Cave Bear" series. Complete cave bear skeletons are rare, and despite the use of multiple animals, this specimen stands as a fine example! Size from tail to skull tip: 104" L x 29.5" W x 42" H (264.2 cm x 74.9 cm x 106.7 cm); skull alone: 20.5" L (52.1 cm)

Included is a 1998 Dutch appraisal document and a Dutch newspaper clipping featuring the bear and the previous owner's collection.

Cave bears were purportedly more than ten feet or three meters tall when they stood on their hind legs. The closest relative to Ursus spelaeus is our modern-day brown bear; however average cave bears were approximately 30 percent larger in size! Beyond this sheer size differential, another way to differentiate a cave bear skull from a brown bear (and all other bears for that matter) is the prominence of the brow and forehead, unique to the cave bear, as modern bear skulls have a more gradual sloping forehead.

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: private Seward, Alaska, USA collection

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#190306

    Condition:
  • Professionally assembled from many pieces and from many specimens. Mounted on a display stand.

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Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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December 13, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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