North Africa, Morocco, Kem Kem Formation, Middle Cretaceous Period, ca. 98 to 93 million years ago. An amazing, fossilized raptor claw, possibly from the Rugops genus of dinosaurs, a rare species that is nearly impossible to purchase! This claw is over 3 inches from the root to tip, perfectly capable of ripped and slashing. This detailed raptor claw is exceptional with only one minor fissure infilled towards the tip. Raptor claws are the most highly desired part of these dinosaurs available. This lighter colored claw is excellent and pretty with almost entirely original material. This is the largest claw we have seen in while! The grooves and coloration are superb on this example. This claw is from an adult and was once attached to the hind feet. Size: 2.125" L x 1.25" W (5.4 cm x 3.2 cm); along the curve: 3.25" L (8.3 cm)

Only 2 raptor species are known in Africa, and little is known about Rugops, more commonly known as raptors thanks to the "Jurassic Park" book and films. Rugops means "wrinkle face" and they were a genus of abelisauroid theropods ranging from 4.4 to 5.3 meters (14.4 to 17.4 ft) in length and 410 kg (900 lb.)! Evidence suggests Rugops had small, stubby front limbs and, as theropods, this well-developed slashing talon was located on their hind feet and second toe. The "killing claw" of raptors was a terrifying and incredibly efficient weapon. As they moved, it was held off the ground and fully retracted. When the muscles of the toe were contracted, the claw swept down quickly, providing for a powerful slash that may have been able to disembowel prey swiftly. The stiffened tail would have been good to stabilize the body while the grasping arms and jaws held onto the prey for balance. It has been suggested that raptors could have performed leaps onto large prey and used all four limbs to rip wounds in them. There is such a lack of information about Rugops, simply due to how few have been discovered, in fact only ONE complete skull has been found to date, making this claw an invaluable piece of the prehistoric puzzle!

Provenance: private Rome, Georgia, USA collection

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#167358

Very good condition. Stable fissure with infill to tip of claw. Great coloration and groove detail.