Oreodont Skull Fossil on Matrix. Merycoidodon culbertsoni. Late Oligocene. Brule Formation. White River Badlan...

Description

Oreodont Skull Fossil on Matrix
Merycoidodon culbertsoni
Late Oligocene
Brule Formation
White River Badlands, South Dakota, USA

A monstrously large oreodont skull, this example of Merycoidodon culbertsoni measures a serious 11 inches (28 cm) from the tip of its snout to the back of its crest. Perched royally upon a mound of artificial matrix, the massive fossil head is beyond impactful. A major player, in the Late Oligocene of the White River Badlands, such "mountain teeth" ruminating hogs look predatory and fierce but are cud-chewing artiodactyls despite their pronounced fang-like canine teeth. This enormous skull evidences some expected restoration, primarily to the bony parts that stick out most from the piece and to the teeth near the front of the piece. Both sides are relatively fine on the slightly compressed example, which is otherwise rather inflated. The upper is a bit offset over the lower, but this fossil is visually captivating regardless of the effects of time. The bones have some superficial fracture lines and slight variations in color. This is an extremely serious oreodont skull for the size and the quality.
Overall Measurements: 11.02 x 9.84 x 6.30 inches (28.00 x 25.00 x 16.00 cm)

More Information: The accompanying image is an artistic interpretation, based on knowledge from the fossil record and ancillary factors, of the potential appearance of the above extinct animal. Please note the rendering does not accompany the Lot.


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