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| Lot# & Name: |
369. Fossilized Entelodont Hell Pig Skull - Archaeotherium |
| Estimate: |
$9,000-$13,500 |
| Current High Bid: |
$3,900.00 |
| Auction Closed(Final Price) |
$3,900.00 |
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| Category: |
Collectibles
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| Sub Category: |
Natural History
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| Culture or Country: |
South Dakota, Pennington County, Upper Brule Formation, Oligocene period.
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| Period: |
Oligocene period, approximately 33.9 million to 23 million years ago.
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| Size: |
16"L. x 8"W. x 8-1/2"H. |
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| Description: |
This is not only a scarce entelodont fossil, but a skull from one of the most nightmarish prehistoric creatures - the Archaeotherium mortoni - nicknamed the Hell pig! These jaws contain canine and molar teeth that look predatory, and the tubercles on the lower mandible may have helped protect the males from each when vying for territory or breeding. These uncanny teeth are suited for both browsing on vegetation and scavenging on bones. While still debated, it is possible these animals engaged in predation, running short distances on cloven hooves, snapping the necks of their prey and caching parts of their kills - certainly a hellish thought!
Very good condition. Professionally prepared and restored. Repairs to back mandible on left side. Infill to natural gaps and fissures from fossilization. Losses to front incisors as shown. Misshapen right cheek. 80 to 85% original material and exceedingly rare animal!
*This lot will not be on view at the New York exhibition, and will ship from Colorado* |
| Provenance: |
Private Texas collection, ex. private New Jersey collection. |
| Shipping Fee: |
| National: |
$0.00 |
| International: |
$0.00 (This is approximate and for Postal Service. Prices may vary, especially for private carriers such as: FEDEX, UPS and BAX).
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Fossilized Entelodont Hell Pig Skull - Archaeotherium
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