Défense de mammouth laineux montée sur socle Woolly Mammoth Tusk on Stand Mammthus primigenius Pleistocene Taymyr Peninsula, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, Northern Russia Approximately 30,000 years old, this robust mammoth tusk displays a classic curve. The virtually complete tusk with root and natural tip has been polished to reveal the beautiful colors produced by mineralization during its burial in the frozen peat of Siberia. Woolly Mammoths are an extinct species of Proboscidae and are related to the modern elephant. Using their long, curved tusks to sift the snow to forage for vegetation, and ever alert for the crunching snow of a predator or man, Woolly Mammoths walked through the frozen wastelands of the last Ice Age. Approximately the size of an Asian elephant, their hairy body and storage of fat provided warmth. Unlike modern elephants, the Woolly Mammoth had small ears (elephants use their ears to cool themselves and, as the Mammoth lived in a cold environment, large ears were unnecessary.) The males may have used their tusks in intra-species combat or competition for females. The present single tusk is a polished example with rich brown coloration. Weighing 20 Kg. Circumference 44.5 cm. Height with stand: 111cm. (2) Footnotes: Offered on a brass and wood custom base. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com