**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Pleistocene era, ca. 1.5 to 1.2 million years ago. A fossilized bone fragment from a Stegodon, a prehistoric elephantid. Please note, this is not a horn, but carved in modern times to resemble a tusk from this prehistoric animal. When looking at the surface the membrane and cell structures that have been preserved, creating a marbled pattern. Stegodon was believed to be an ancestor to mammoths and today's elephants, however recent studies have revised the understanding of Stegodons' evolutionary lineage, suggesting a divergence from direct ancestry with modern elephants. Another interesting evolutionary footnote is the phenomenon of insular dwarfism - in response to limited resources and breeding isolation, island dwelling Stegodons were much smaller than their mainland relatives. In Indonesia there is compelling evidence indicates that these small stegodons were even preyed upon by Komodo dragons and inhabited much of Asia! Size: 12" L x 2.4" W (30.5 cm x 6.1 cm)

Provenance: private Reinsmoen collection, Clear Lake, Iowa, USA, acquired through descent from Robert Anderson, acquired prior to 2000

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#185246

Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Abrasions and gouges to the surface. Surface is carved and polished to resemble a tusk.