North America, Western United States, Late Pleistocene, ca. 10,000 years ago. A massive skull from the prehistoric North American bison known as Bison antiquus. The bone has darkened to a umber brown over the ages and retains the original horns that curve inwards with their sheaths. A modern wire is attached to the verso for suspension and displaying this impressive skull. The bovine family, which contains Taurids (cattle) and bisonids, diverged from a common ancestor with the water buffalo and African buffalo around 5 to 10 million years ago. The bison at some point migrated from Asia across the land bridge into North America. During the Ice Age, these bison were much larger, with species like Bison latifrons (giant bison) and Bison antiquus evolving to become smaller and smaller as the millennia passed and the climate changed. However, modern bison are still the largest land mammals in North America - bigger than moose, elk, and even grizzly bears! Clearly an example that could have inspired the legendary artist Georgia O'Keefe! Size: 21" W x 22.4" H (53.3 cm x 56.9 cm); 25" H (63.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Denver Mineral Show, Denver, Colorado, USA; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#172874

Professionally repaired with restoration to nasal bones and some painted color in areas. Losses to tip of proper right horn, bottom periphery of left, lower jaw, and some teeth. Otherwise, very nice with great patina.