‘Sabalites sp.,’ ‘Diplomystus dentatus,’ ‘Knightia sp.’ and ‘Phareodus testis’
Eocene period
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
Dimensions, matrix: 71 ¾ x 41 ¾ x 2 7/8 in. (182.24 x 106.04 x 7.30 cm)
Dimensions, ‘Diplomystus dentatus’: 37 ½ x 33 ¼ in. (95.25 x 84.45 cm)
Length, palm frond: 18 ¼ in. (46.35 cm)

The tranquil scene presented in this alluring limestone plaque is indicative of the uncommon preservation of flora and fauna which would have easily decomposed elsewhere if they had not been submerged by silt quickly enough for fossilization to occur as they had in the notable Green River Formation of Wyoming, USA. Of even higher significance, however, is the display of the majority of a whole palm frond on the right. While even organic material are difficult to retrieve in their entirety, collectors highly prize these fronds due to the likely possibility of their thin, fragile structures getting lost in between the sedimentary layers. Skillfully prepared to illustrate all the fine details, five various fossil fish of dark brown color have been added to the matrix and are suspended on the left half of this plaque which ranges from light gray to beige colorations with a rare patch of blue. The complete specimen measures 71 ¾ x 41 ¾ x 2 7/8 inches while the largest fish, a ‘Diplomystus dentatus,’ measures 37 ½ x 33 ¼ inches and the palm frond is 18 ¼ inches in length.

Due to the aged nature of the materials, please note that the preservation of fossils often includes reparation, restoration, and enhancement. A specimen is rarely uncovered in totality and customarily entails the replacement and reconstruction of various elements lost from the decay and erosion process. This also may require the professional highlighting, shading, or coloring of separate pieces for the exhibition of a comprehensive, integrated appearance.