Central Asia, Miocene Period, ca. 10 million years ago. This is an astounding and rare fossilized skull from one of the most exciting prehistoric carnivores, Dinocrocuta literally "terrible hyena;" a massive mammal that was hyena or dog-like in appearance! The bone has fossilized with a white and beige hue and the teeth are well preserved, the canines are nearly 2 inches in length- the lower mandible is mounted to hang slightly open in a dynamic pose to highlight the incredible mouth that had a powerful bite- able to crush bones! They weighed up to 550 lb. (250 kilograms), about the size of a black bear, so imagine creatures of that size running in a pack after prey- these apex animals were strong enough to take down rhinos and no other dog or hyena related animals have come close to this size! Their remains are ultra-rare, a skull of this premium condition is a special and important fossil that is hard to obtain and a crowning piece for any collection! Size: 16" L x 11" W (40.6 cm x 27.9 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand; canine tooth: 1.7" L (4.3 cm)
Provenance: private Rome, Georgia, USA collection
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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 or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170219
Condition
Professionally prepared with repairs to teeth, jaw, and upper skull. Losses to upper canine teeth, and all 4 canines are reattached with visible hair line fissures. Approximately 90% or more original material with infill to fissures and gaps. Metal bar added to lower jaw for mounting on display stand.