Product Description
Protected deep within the Late Pleistocene gravel beds of a river in Central Europe, and retrieved by dredge, this is an 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. 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 color is natural and is a rich dark coffee brown. This is THE ultimate Late Aurochs fossil and one of the most affordable ALL NATURAL Ice Age skulls any fossil collection could include! This is a rare fossil from a beast that is seldom found in Late Pleistocene fossil collections. A great compliment to a primitive man stone tool and weapon collection as these animals lived alongside humans, played a vital role for resources in human survival during the last Ice Age and were hunted / revered by both Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man.