Central Asia, Late Cretaceous period, ca. 75 million years ago. A rare clutch of 3 fossilized eggs in a nest configuration belonging to an Oviraptor (Oviraptor philoceratops), a prehistoric theropod dinosaur! The elongated eggs are a dark gray color and the characteristically textured shell fragments have hardened to a stone consistency, all encased within an iron-oxide-hued earthen matrix. Interestingly Oviraptor means "egg thief" - a misinterpretation of these dinosaur's behavior when a fossilized oviraptor was discovered on a nest and was assumed to be feeding on the eggs, but further research suggests that the Oviraptor likely protected and incubated their eggs before hatching, much like their avian relatives! Size: 8.25" L x 8.5" W x 4.25" H (21 cm x 21.6 cm x 10.8 cm)
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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#172119
Condition
Professionally prepared with clear fixative added to shells and matrix. Losses, fissures, and fragmentary shells due to fossilization process. Great coloration and preservation to eggshell texture.