Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Pleistocene era, ca. 1.5 to 1.2 million years ago. An impressive, fossilized bone fragment from a Stegodon, a prehistoric elephantid. Please note, this is not a tusk, but carved in modern times to resemble the tusks that are iconic to elephants. The surface exhibits a pretty mottled beige coloration due to the minerals and chemicals in the water or sediment as the enamel and dentine fossilized. Stegodon was believed to be an ancestor to mammoths and today's elephants, however recent studies have revised the understanding of Stegodons' evolutionary lineage, suggesting a divergence from direct ancestry with modern elephants. Another interesting evolutionary footnote is the phenomenon of insular dwarfism - in response to limited resources and breeding isolation, island dwelling Stegodons were much smaller than their mainland relatives. In Indonesia there is compelling evidence indicates that these small stegodons were even preyed upon by Komodo dragons! inhabited much of Asia! Size: 9" L x 3" W (22.9 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private Reinsmoen collection, Clear Lake, Iowa, USA, acquired through descent from Robert Anderson, acquired prior to 2000

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#185241

Fragment of a larger bone as shown. Carved in modern times to resemble a tusk. Chips and abrasions with stable fissures and striations.