Central Asia, Siberia, Pleistocene Epoch, ca. 1.2 million to 24,000 years ago. This is a wonderfully preserved example of a fossilized tooth from the prehistoric woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) with the characteristic hollowed cavities that form a "smiling face." Long columnar roots in brown and black protrude from the base, while the enamel is a beautiful blue-gray and beige. These cavities on top indicate this is a molar and are a natural part of the tooth formation and inspired the scientific name of these rhinos, as Coelodonta antuquitatis translates to "ancient hollow tooth." Size: 2" L x 2" W x 2.5" H (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm x 6.4 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA
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#168006
Condition
Surface coated in a clear protective fixative. Chips to roots and enamel. The natural hollow cavitied look like a simplified human smiley face! Great coloration and some mineral deposits within enamel cavities.