Fossilized Mammoth Tusk on Wood Base
Ca. 35,000–10,000 BCE. North America, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Pleistocene epoch (Ice Age), ca. 35,000 to 10,000 years ago. A sweeping arc of deep time made tangible, this fossilized mammoth tusk curves gracefully in a broad crescent, its surface alive with warm striations of cream, honey, and earthen brown formed through millennia of mineralization. The ivory retains its characteristic longitudinal grain and subtle weathering, with areas of natural patina and surface variation that speak to its burial and eventual recovery from ancient deposits. Mounted on a custom wooden display base, the tusk is elevated in a manner that emphasizes both its scale and elegant curvature, transforming a relic of the Ice Age into a sculptural presence suited for modern interiors. Size: 32" L x 3.3" W x 4" H (81.3 cm x 8.4 cm x 10.2 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand; along outer curve: 35.5" L (90.2 cm) Size: 4" H x 32" L x 3.3" W (10.2 cm H x 81.3 cm L x 8.4 cm W); On included custom stand: 10.5" H (26.7 cm H); along outer curve: 35.5" L (90.2 cm L).
Mammoth tusks, composed of dentin rather than true ivory enamel, grew continuously throughout the animal's life, often reaching impressive lengths and serving both as tools and displays of dominance. This example captures that primal function and enduring beauty, offering a rare intersection of natural history and organic form - a relic shaped by both the living animal and the slow artistry of geological time.
Publication: This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.
Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #202191
Condition
Fragment of a larger tusk. Professionally prepared and stabilized with some parts reattached. Areas of infill to gaps and fissures and some flaking along the tooth. Covered in a clear stabilizing coating. Excellent presentation and accompanied by custom wooden stand.
Ca. 35,000–10,000 BCE. North America, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Pleistocene epoch (Ice Age), ca. 35,000 to 10,000 years ago. A sweeping arc of deep time made tangible, this fossilized mammoth tusk curves gracefully in a broad crescent, its surface alive with warm striations of cream, honey, and earthen brown formed through millennia of mineralization. The ivory retains its characteristic longitudinal grain and subtle weathering, with areas of natural patina and surface variation that speak to its burial and eventual recovery from ancient deposits. Mounted on a custom wooden display base, the tusk is elevated in a manner that emphasizes both its scale and elegant curvature, transforming a relic of the Ice Age into a sculptural presence suited for modern interiors. Size: 32" L x 3.3" W x 4" H (81.3 cm x 8.4 cm x 10.2 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand; along outer curve: 35.5" L (90.2 cm) Size: 4" H x 32" L x 3.3" W (10.2 cm H x 81.3 cm L x 8.4 cm W); On included custom stand: 10.5" H (26.7 cm H); along outer curve: 35.5" L (90.2 cm L).
Mammoth tusks, composed of dentin rather than true ivory enamel, grew continuously throughout the animal's life, often reaching impressive lengths and serving both as tools and displays of dominance. This example captures that primal function and enduring beauty, offering a rare intersection of natural history and organic form - a relic shaped by both the living animal and the slow artistry of geological time.
Publication: This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.
Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #202191
Condition
Fragment of a larger tusk. Professionally prepared and stabilized with some parts reattached. Areas of infill to gaps and fissures and some flaking along the tooth. Covered in a clear stabilizing coating. Excellent presentation and accompanied by custom wooden stand.
