Trilobite in Matrix, Selenopeltis buchii
Fossil, ca. 450 million years old. Upper Ordovician, ca. 450 million years ago. [Anti-Atlas region, Morocco].
A dramatic example of Selenopeltis buchii, one of the most spectacular spiny trilobites of the Ordovician seas. It is preserved in natural relief on a slab of its original [sandstone/siltstone] matrix. The specimen shows the species’ distinctive anatomy: a broad, crescent-shaped head with sweeping genal spines, and a segmented thorax from which long, elegant pleural spines radiate outward like oars. The animal looks poised mid-glide across the ancient sea floor. [Its warm brown exoskeleton stands out handsomely against the paler surrounding rock.] Size of stone matrix: 8.5" L x 8.5" W x 1" D (21.6 cm L x 21.6 cm W x 2.5 cm D); fossil: 5.25" L x 4" W (13.3 cm L x 10.2 cm W).
Selenopeltis belongs to the odontopleurids, a family renowned for elaborate spines. These probably helped the animal rest on soft sediment without sinking and deterred predators. It lived in the cool, shallow seas that covered what is now North Africa and Europe some 450 million years ago, long before the first dinosaurs, flowering plants or even trees. Complete specimens with their delicate spines intact are prized by collectors as among the most striking of all trilobites.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; collected in El Kaid Rami, Errachidia Province, Morocco
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 #205685
Condition
EXcellent state of preservation.
Fossil, ca. 450 million years old. Upper Ordovician, ca. 450 million years ago. [Anti-Atlas region, Morocco].
A dramatic example of Selenopeltis buchii, one of the most spectacular spiny trilobites of the Ordovician seas. It is preserved in natural relief on a slab of its original [sandstone/siltstone] matrix. The specimen shows the species’ distinctive anatomy: a broad, crescent-shaped head with sweeping genal spines, and a segmented thorax from which long, elegant pleural spines radiate outward like oars. The animal looks poised mid-glide across the ancient sea floor. [Its warm brown exoskeleton stands out handsomely against the paler surrounding rock.] Size of stone matrix: 8.5" L x 8.5" W x 1" D (21.6 cm L x 21.6 cm W x 2.5 cm D); fossil: 5.25" L x 4" W (13.3 cm L x 10.2 cm W).
Selenopeltis belongs to the odontopleurids, a family renowned for elaborate spines. These probably helped the animal rest on soft sediment without sinking and deterred predators. It lived in the cool, shallow seas that covered what is now North Africa and Europe some 450 million years ago, long before the first dinosaurs, flowering plants or even trees. Complete specimens with their delicate spines intact are prized by collectors as among the most striking of all trilobites.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; collected in El Kaid Rami, Errachidia Province, Morocco
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 #205685
Condition
EXcellent state of preservation.
