Lot MOS-TH-1
Skull of prehistoric “Sea dragon” (Mosasaur Thalassotitan), 72 mln years old, well preserved
Specifications:
Location:
Hurigba Province, Morocco
Genus:
Thalassotitan
Size:
127 cm x 60 cm x 57 cm
Age:
66-72 million years
Period:
Cretaceous
Restoration:
less than 20 %
Available in Dubai
Price on request
Lot Highlights
Explore the ancient seas with Thalassotitan, the titan of the Late Cretaceous oceans. Imagine a creature that ruled the waves over 66 million years ago, its massive jaws and robust teeth designed to dominate as an apex predator. Discovered in Morocco’s Ouled Abdoun Basin, Thalassotitan atrox is a testament to evolution’s prowess in creating formidable marine hunters.
This majestic mosasaur, named for its colossal size and ruthless nature, measured up to 10 meters in length, with a skull reaching 1.3 meters. Fossils reveal a diet that included smaller mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, large fish, and sea turtles—testimony to its role as a top-tier predator in its ecosystem.
Each fossil tells a story of ancient battles and dominance in the prehistoric seas, where Thalassotitan reigned supreme, its legacy etched in the very bones found in the heart of Morocco. Own a piece of this incredible history and bring the awe-inspiring world of Thalassotitan into your collection today.
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Video of the Lot
Skull of prehistoric "Sea dragon" (Mosasaur Thalassotitan)
Location:
Hurigba Province, Morocco
Age:
66-72 million years
The specimen found was 10 to 12 m long and lived 72 million years ago
Skull bones are rarely found well preserved – teeth and small bones are more common
A specimen found is very rare and fortunate for scientists and collectors
Debates about the origin and evolution of this marine lizard began when it was first discovered in 1764 and continue among scientists to this day
Featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Jurassic Park and BBC series Prehistoric Planet
How it is discovered
- Privately funded expeditions to Hurigba Province, Morocco in 2019
- Excavations took place in the desert for 2 weeks in 35 degrees Celsius heat
The human touch
- The skull of the prehistoric beast consists of more than 50 individual pieces of fossilized bone material, after discovery it took 18 months of work to assemble.
- only 20% of the bones needed to be reconstructed – insignificant for a find of this size.
- Covered with a special compound and attached to a metal frame to protect it from decomposition and decay.
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Exquisite and Rare Mosasaur Thalassotitan Skull – Titan of the seas of Prehistoric Marine Life
Discover the pinnacle of prehistoric marine prowess with the exceptional Mosasaur Thalassotitan skull, an extraordinary relic from a bygone era. The Mosasaurus, known as one of the apex predators of the late Mesozoic era, commanded the ancient seas with an imposing presence, reaching lengths of up to 17 meters and weights of approximately 11 tons. This particular specimen, a testament to the grandeur of these magnificent creatures, measures between 10 to 12 meters and dates back to an astounding 72 million years ago.
Gem Among Finds
Discovering a Mosasaur skull is an event of remarkable rarity, with most finds typically comprising only of teeth and smaller bones. The presence of a Mosasaur Thalassotitan variant skull in such well-preserved condition is a once-in-a-lifetime find, highly sought after by both collectors and scientists for its immense value and rarity.
Slice of History
Since its discovery in 1764, the Mosasaur has sparked intense debates and research into the evolution and origins of marine reptiles, marking this specimen as not only a collector’s item but a crucial puzzle piece in understanding prehistoric marine life.
Cultural Phenomenon
The Mosasaur has not only captured the interest of the scientific community but has also made a splash in popular culture, featuring in blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and educational series such as BBC’s “Prehistoric Planet.” Its appeal spans across audiences, making it a star of prehistoric marine life.
Owning this Thalassotitan skull is more than just acquiring a rare artifact; it’s about embracing a piece of the Earth’s ancient history, a testament to the marvels of evolution and the incredible diversity of life that has graced our planet. This skull is not merely an object of study but a symbol of the awe and mystery that the past holds, offering a unique connection to the majestic creatures that once roamed the ancient oceans.
Unearthing the “Sea dragon” (Mosasaur Thalassotitan) Skull
The remarkable Thalassotitan skull that now presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike was uncovered under extraordinary circumstances, a testament to the dedication and passion of those who seek to unravel the mysteries of our planet’s ancient past.
Journey to the Past
The ExpeditionIn 2020, a team of explorers and paleontologists set out on a privately funded expedition to the remote reaches of Hurigba Province in Morocco, (North Africa) a region renowned for its fossil deposits and the promise of prehistoric wonders lying beneath its sands. Their mission was driven by the hope of discovering remnants of the colossal creatures that once dominated the seas of the Mesozoic era.
Excavation
The excavation, a labor of passion and perseverance, unfolded over the course of two intense weeks. The team, braving the relentless desert sun, worked under the scorching heat, their efforts fueled by the thrill of discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. It was within this harsh and demanding environment that the Thalassotitan skull was uncovered. Each brushstroke against the ancient sands revealed more of the awe-inspiring creature, a direct connection to a world millions of years gone.
Thalassotitan skull is not merely an artifact but a beacon of human curiosity, a reminder of the relentless pursuit of knowledge that defines our species.
The discovery of the Thalassotitan skull, while a lucky chance in itself, was merely the beginning of a meticulous and transformative journey from a fragmented past to a reconstructed present.
Upon its excavation, the skull of this ancient leviathan was not a single, intact fossil but rather a puzzle of over 50 individual pieces of fossilized bone. Each piece, a silent witness to the eons that had passed, held within it a fragment of the story of the ancient seas. The task of reassembling these pieces into the skull we now marvel at took an arduous 18 months of painstaking work. This period of reconstruction was a delicate balance between the integrity of the original find and the practical necessities of restoration.
Remarkably, the process required the reconstruction of only 20% of the bones, a testament to the remarkable condition of the find. For a fossil of this magnitude and complexity, such minimal intervention is noteworthy, underscoring the rarity and exceptional preservation of the skull. This careful and restrained approach ensured that the essence and authenticity of the Thalassotitan remained as undisturbed as possible, allowing us to witness its majesty almost as nature intended.
To safeguard this invaluable piece of prehistoric life from the ravages of time, the skull was treated with a special compound designed to protect it against decomposition. Moreover, it was meticulously mounted on a custom-designed metal frame, providing structural support that blends seamlessly with its ancient form. This not only ensures the skull’s preservation for future generations but also allows it to be displayed as the stunning piece of natural art it truly is, marrying the aesthetic with the scientific in a tribute to the incredible biodiversity of our planet’s past.
The journey from discovery to display of the Thalassotitan skull is a vivid narrative of human perseverance, ingenuity, and reverence for our natural heritage. It stands as a testament to the power of the human touch in bridging millions of years, connecting us directly with the wonders of the ancient world.
In the realm of contemporary design, where the past meets the present in a dance of aesthetics and form, the Mosasaur Thalassotitan skull emerges as a breathtaking centerpiece. This prehistoric marvel, once ruling the ancient seas, now finds itself at the heart of modern artistic expression, its timeless beauty and inherent majesty transformed into a stunning statement piece that transcends the ages.
Symphony of Form and History
The Mosasaur Thalassotitan skull, with its intricate detail and formidable appearance, embodies a rare fusion of natural history and cutting-edge design. Its placement within a contemporary setting does not just bridge the vast chasm of time; it weaves the ancient and the modern into a visual symphony that captivates and inspires. The skull’s commanding presence is a nod to the power of nature’s design, its sleek lines and imposing structure a testament to a bygone era’s natural artistry.
The metal frame upon which it rests is no mere support structure but a piece of art in itself, designed to elevate the skull, both literally and figuratively, integrating it seamlessly into the lexicon of contemporary design.
In a contemporary design context, the Thalassotitan skull is more than an object of visual beauty; it is a conversation starter, a provocative piece that challenges observers to reflect on the intersections of history, art, and science. It invites viewers to ponder the grandeur of the natural world and the fleeting nature of existence, all while admiring the skull’s stylish presentation. Its presence in a modern setting not only accentuates the space but also imbues it with a sense of wonder and exploration.
Beyond Decoration
The incorporation of the Mosasaur Thalassotitan skull into contemporary design transcends mere decoration; it is an embodiment of stylistic innovation and a homage to the marvels of the natural world. It stands as a bold statement of beauty that defies temporal boundaries, a source of inspiration that draws from the depths of prehistory to enrich the tapestry of modern life. In the contemporary design landscape, the Mosasaur skull is not just seen; it is experienced, a beautiful and stylish relic that bridges worlds and captivates the imagination.
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Enquiry
Thank you for your interest. Please fill out the below form, and our specialist will follow up with you shortly.
Thank you for your interest
We will be in touch shortly
We will never pass your personal information to anyone outside of Artefactum Gallery for their own marketing purposes without your consent. For more information about how we processes your data, please click here to read our Privacy Notice.