Amber R

Mearto specialist

Eurasian Woolly Mammoth, (Mammuthus trogontherii) or possible Mastodon (Mammutidae family) Pleistocene (2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago) Excavation attributed to Netherlands (Holland) North Sea; but possible North/South American source Mammoth or Mastadon ivory tusk with variegated shades, perhaps semi-fossilized. Tusks helped these ice-age pack animals to forage by stripping bark from trees, as well as in achieving dominance over other animals during competition for food. No repairs or fills are noted on the item; it is a complete specimen. Ivory surface appears to be polished and excess sealant is visible in the root cavity. Wood and metal stand complement the curve of this large and complete example. 55" length; tusk circumference of 10.5"; at largest section; unknown weight. Further steps will need to be taken to authenticate the item. If provenance and authentication records are available; they should be included with the sale. Looking at prices achieved at auction over the past 5 years; it appears authenticated examples of this condition, from the North Sea region, achieve the above noted FMV range. It is important to recognize local, state, and US federal laws and prohibitions of sale and shipment of Fossils and Paleontology items. For more information on Eurasian Fossils: look to the LQME Project and the research of Fennoscandia.