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ULTRA RARE BABY PLEISTOCENE LATE AUROCHS SKULL WITH COMPLETE ORIGINAL HORN CORES FROM EUROPE'S LAST ICE AGE (Gravel Bed Pleistocene Deposit) River Dredge, Slovakia LATE PLEISTOCENE PERIOD: 25,000 - 10,000 years ago Protected deep within the Late Pleistocene gravel beds of a river in Northern Slovakia and retrieved by dredge, this is an ULTRA RARE, well-preserved partial skull with BOTH COMPLETE original horn cores of a BABY extinct late Aurochs (Bos primigenius / taurus). Collected by a river dredge removing deep gravel deposits also producing fossils of Woolly Rhinoceros, Woolly Mammoth, Cave Lion and other extinct Ice Age beasts. The late Aurochs was a reduced animal compared to the earlier form with much broader horns and larger proportions. We acquired this piece from the purchase of a substantial, old collection of a large number of pieces, amassed by a former worker at the source for 30 years. Out of that enormous collection we purchased, this was one of only two juvenile specimens in the group of this size and remarkably, still has both the original tiny horn cores still present and unbroken. The bone is in a remarkably well-preserved state. Ventral view shows exposed brain case! The entire posterior portion of the skull is present and both horn cores still unbroken at the bases. The rich hues are natural as a result of the sediments and age. This is an excellent reference piece as well as a high-grade Ice Age fossil specimen, perfect for any private exhibit or Ice Age museum wishing to display both adult and juvenile mega-fauna from the Pleistocene of Europe's prehistory. This fossil was retrieved from the river exactly as shown. Treated with a preservative to protect its fine qualities. An excellent display fossil as it is, or an important component in reconstructing a complete skull. NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION. Modern dredges destroy most fossils in the river gravel deposits and finding complete specimens or even fine grade partials like this is a very uncommon occurrence. This would make a phenomenal display piece laying alongside primitive hunting weapons of prehistoric man! THE ultimate affordable Aurochs fossil! A fantastic compliment to a primitive man stone tool and weapon collection as the Aurochs lived alongside prehistoric humans and were hunted and revered by both Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man.
The Aurochs was a famous animal in prehistoric times. These massive beasts were an ancient form of cattle with massive bones, heavily muscled bodies and long curving horns. They were hunted and worshipped by primitive man and featured in many famous prehistoric cave paintings across Europe. To challenge such a massive and powerful beast with mere wood and stone weaponry must have certainly been quite an experience and no doubt the killing of an aurochs with such primitive weapons would have brought great respect amongst human peers for bravery, if not for insanity! SUPER RARE, IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY SPECIMEN IN CHOICE PRESERVATION - BOTH COMPLETE HORNS - NO RESTORATION OR REPAIR! 7.5" across $975 LM17-028 Actual Item - One Only |
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Aurochs are the
ancestors of present-day domestic cattle. After the ice age aurochs were
spread across Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. They lived on the
plains and at the forest's edge. Their populations were gradually
reduced as people hunted them and civilization destroyed their
habitats. Surviving the great Pleistocene mass extinction, the
last Aurochs known died on a game preserve in Poland in the year 1627
A.D..