Mastodon Palate. Mammut americanum . Pleistocene . Suwanee River, Florida, USA. ...

Description

MASTODON

Mastodon Palate
Mammut americanum
Pleistocene
Suwanee River, Florida, USA

Mastodon teeth, and also Mammoth teeth for that matter, are some of the most interesting and appealing of all the mammalian fossils. Dentition is a very important aspect in terms of studying ancient life, and teeth are often the only, or at least best, preserved parts of once living animals. If a tooth is good, then three teeth must be great; and if three teeth are great, then three teeth in a maxilla, even if it is only a partial one, must be incredible! This upper jaw from an American Mastodon contains three rather large molars. The teeth show some wear, as would be expected from such fossil remnants, but the teeth, especially the two larger ones in front, are in a very good condition - all things considered. One tooth has a rather attractive reddish color and is virtually a complete example to the crowns with only one visible repair to "round out" a missing section. The second tooth, also in the front of the jaw, shows some wear and has a slightly darker color. One crown shows significant wear; otherwise, the rest of the crowns are in very good condition. The final, smaller tooth behind the first is logically smaller and shows considerable wear, again, not really much of a detraction when it comes to large, complete teeth from a gigantic browsing Mastodon. There is a visible repair to the back of the tooth consistent with the other repair area. This is an amazing piece no matter how the individual components are evaluated. The palate is a rich, mocha color, and is quite solid. All three teeth are firmly rooted in the jaw, and the space where the fourth tooth in the ensemble would have been just adds to the overall story from this interesting fossil piece. Any of the three Mastodon teeth would be impressive on their own. As a total package, this specimen is outstanding: the "Ice Age" has left us with a significant fossil of Mammut americanum.
Overall Measurements: 15.5 x 15.0 x 8.8 inches (39.4 x 38.1 x 22.2 cm)
Offered at no reserve.

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