Ancient Seas, Morocco, Devonian Period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 Million years ago. Wow! A large trilobite fossilized within a stone matrix with the genal spines protruding outwards. The shovel like protrusion on the cephalon head indicates this fossil as a member of the Psychopyge genus. The spines and individual segments are well preserved, as are the textured bumps around the eye lobes and cephalon. The black of the fossilized areas contrast wonderfully against the lighter stone matrix. A sizable specimen that would a unique addition to any collection! Size of fossil: 7" L x 3.5" W (17.8 cm x 8.9 cm); matrix: 9" L x 5" W x 4.5" H (22.9 cm x 12.7 cm x 11.4 cm); case: 11.675" L x 7.375" W x 7.75" H (29.7 cm x 18.7 cm x 19.7 cm)
Trilobites are a fossil group of extinct marine arthropods that form one of the earliest known groups of arthropods. The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all trilobite orders except the Proetids died out. Trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. Trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, roaming the oceans for over 270 million years!
Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#163908
Condition
Repaired with genal spines reattached and front horn repaired and reattached with hairline break lines visible. Restoration and infill on body. Matrix is repaired from approximately 4 pieces with stable break lines that extend across trilobite tail end. Three metal threaded bolts are within matrix and may have been part of a display stand. Displayed in acrylic case.