MAMMOTH TUSK. ...

Description

MAMMOTH TUSK
Mammuthus primigenuis
Pleistocene
Alaska
This fine female mammoth tusk was found perfectly preserved in the frozen Alaskan tundra. It retained the classic double curve of which mammoths are known and displays a natural coloration of ivory creams, browns and blue; the blues are caused from an iron phosphate called vivianite and they combine with the natural browns of the ivory to a lovely aesthetic effect. The tip is completely natural and at the other end it boasts a great root cavity that was kept in one piece. The slenderness suggests a female tusk and due to the length it can be assumed to be from a sub adult. There were a few cracks that were filled, but overall less than 5% restoration was needed. Mounted on a custom oak stand, it measures 8 feet, 2 ¼ inches along the outside curve.

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