Ancient Europe, Romania, Pleistocene epoch, ca. 1.2 million to 24,000 years ago. Intimidating but also awe-inspiring, the fossilized skull of a European cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) with a full set of teeth. The bone surface is a weathered white with yellowing areas. This bear was probably full grown when it died as evidenced by the worn-down molars. Prehistoric humans did indeed hunt these massive bears and venerated them as deities. A bear skull, like this one, has even been discovered in an ancient cave shrine! Size: 18.25" L x 9.25" W x 10.5" H (46.4 cm x 23.5 cm x 26.7 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Enormous cave bears were first described in 1774, and scientists at the time thought their huge remains might be those of polar bears. Later scientists realized that they were once part of the group of megafauna that roamed Ice Age Europe - alongside mammoths, woolly rhinos, giant deer, and lions - and males of the species could be fifty percent larger than modern day grizzly bears. Ancient humans were aware of the animals and painted them on the walls of caves. Despite their fierce appearance, cave bears had a mostly vegetarian diet, and ultimately went extinct during the Last Glacial Maximum ca. 27000 to 24000 years ago, when the vegetation they relied upon disappeared. Despite their name, these bears only inhabited caves during their hibernation period through the harsh Ice Age winters. Many skeletons have been discovered in caves where the bears passed away peacefully in their sleep.

Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA

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#159712

Cranium repaired from approximately five pieces with minor resurfacing over break lines. Lower mandible reattached. Large chip from lower canine tooth. Surface weathering, cracks, and losses from the peripheries as expected with fossilization, but overall, good preservation with the teeth in great condition!