Lot MT-C1

Mammoth thigh bone clock, 24k gold, circa 40 000 years old, Russian Arctic, 2023

Specifications:

Location:

Russia

Genus:

Mammuthus

Size:

30 cm x 70 cm x 20 cm

Weight:

16 kg

Material:

gilding | mammoth thigh bone | 24k yellow gold

Detection year:

2020

Available in Dubai

Approximate price USD - 30000 $

110 000,00 AED

Buy

Lot Highlights

Rarity and value

  • The base of the watch is a 20kg mammoth thigh bone that is over 40,000 years old
  • Finding a part of a mammoth besides tusks and skull is a great luck, as predators and natural processes did not leave the flesh intact
  • The weight of the clock is almost 16kg. Dimensions 30 cm x 70 cm x 20 cm

History of discovery

Private expedition to remote Yakutia region (Russian Arctic) in 2023 in an extreme cold.

 Human Touch

  • It took 3 months to restore the bone using a special technique and then to polish and cover it with a protective lacquer.
  • The dial is made of the largest vintage IN-18 indicator lamps (USSR).
  • Custom made electronics
  • Brass elements are plated with 24K gold
  • Decorated with symbols in the style of cave painting of primitive people (Altamira cave).

 

 

The Treasured Drawings of Altamira Cave

Situated near the historic city of Santillana del Mar in Northern Spain, the Cave of Altamira is a captivating window into the distant past. Discovered in 1879 by amateur archaeologist Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, the cave is nearly 1,000 feet long and features multiple chambers adorned with stunning polychrome rock paintings. These paintings, depicting mammals like bison, horses, and human hands, are estimated to be over 35,000 years old, making Altamira one of the most significant sites for Upper Paleolithic art.

The vibrant, multicolored images of Altamira are a testament to the artistic skill and cultural expression of our prehistoric ancestors. Using natural pigments, early humans created lifelike depictions that have stood the test of time, offering invaluable insights into their world. The paintings are celebrated for their dynamic use of color and perspective, which bring the ancient animals to life on the cave walls.

To preserve this world-renowned site, Altamira was first closed to the public in 1977. Over the years, it has reopened and closed several times to balance public interest with conservation efforts. Currently, access to the cave is highly restricted, with visits allowed only by selection through a daily lottery, ensuring the delicate paintings are protected from damage.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Altamira holds the distinction of being the first place where rock art from the Later Stone Age (LSA) was identified. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric human life and art, highlighting the sophisticated and symbolic nature of early human creativity.

The Cave of Altamira remains a treasured testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of our ancestors, continuing to inspire awe and admiration in all who learn of its ancient, colorful legacy.

Certificates of Authenticity and Export Licenses

Expertise Ministry of Culture 

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Lot MT-C1

Mammoth thigh bone clock, 24k gold, circa 40 000 years old, Russian Arctic, 2023

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Lot MT-C1

Mammoth thigh bone clock, 24k gold, circa 40 000 years old, Russian Arctic, 2023

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