A MAMMOTH SKULL, MAMMUTHUS PRIMIGENIUS (WOOLLY MAMMOTH) LATE PLEISTOCENE, QUATERNARY PERIOD (2.6 MILLION YEARS OLD), SIBERIA

the monumental skull of an individual Mammuthus primigenius exceptionally preserved, the skull with a piercing elongated cavity above a pair of long tusks powerfully extending out towards the sides with a dramatic curvature, the smoothly patinated light beige tusks covered with characteristic brown streaks and transmuting to a brown colour towards the tapering tips, metal stand and wood base

The skull is not restored and the bone appears to be intact. There are natural cracks to the upper molars which have been consolidated with resin. The lower jaw is also in good condition with no restorations. The tusks are complete and are in good condition, including their tips which are intact. They are protected with a coating varnish. The ivory fossil is at least 12000 years old and therefore not subject to CITES. However prospective buyers are advised to seek further information from the relevant customs authorities in order to further export or import the piece as they are responsible for complying with any export or import laws.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Historians suggest that it was the open cavity of mammoth skulls found on the shorelines of ancient Greece that inspired the myth of Cyclops, the round-eyed primordial giant described in Greek and later Roman mythology. Complete with skull and two tusks, this current lot is an extremely well-preserved example of the mammoth, the enormous land mammal that encapsulates our vision of the Ice Age. Hunted by prehistoric man, the mammoth developed special teeth and defenses to face the rigors of its ecosystem. Tusks were used not only in self-defense but also for digging and scraping beneath the snow for food. These naturally formed tusks emerged at birth and continued to grow in an organic curve until the end of the animal’s life. The tusks of the present lot boast a beautiful patina and the exceptionally rare specimen is in excellent condition.