Museum-Quality Plesiosaur Skull: Zarafasaura Oceanis

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  North Africa, Morocco, Khouribga province, Ouad Zem, Oulad Abdoun Basin, Upper Cretaceous, ca. 70 to 66 million years ago. An exceptional and rare fossil specimen: the upper skull and lower jaw of Zarafasaura oceanis, a distinctive member of the elasmosaurid family, part of the iconic plesiosaur order of marine reptiles. This species is known for its elongated neck and formidable dentition, traits that made it a skilled predator in the ancient seas of the Late Cretaceous. Discovered in the renowned phosphate deposits of the Oulad Abdoun Basin - a site celebrated for its richness in marine vertebrate fossils - this fossil offers remarkable detail. The teeth project outward in a dramatic, almost menacing fashion, creating a visually arresting and scientifically important piece. Size: 17" L x 9.75" W (43.2 cm x 24.8 cm); 16" H (40.6 cm) on included custom stand; large teeth: 2.5" L x 0.65" W (6.4 cm x 1.7 cm)
  
  Plesiosaurs were long-necked, carnivorous marine reptiles that thrived during the Triassic and Jurassic periods, but declined by the late Cretaceous, likely due to ecological competition and predation pressures from emerging apex predators like mosasaurs. Their elongated necks, while useful for hunting, may have made them vulnerable to injury, further contributing to their decline. Fascinatingly, recent fossil discoveries in Morocco suggest that some plesiosaurs adapted to freshwater and brackish environments, possibly seeking refuge for reproduction or to avoid marine predators. Though extinct, they continue to capture the imagination - most notably through unproven claims of modern survival in isolated freshwater bodies such as Scotland's Loch Ness.
  
  Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired from Megafossiles, Morocco
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #191632

  Condition

  Professionally prepared and restored. Approximately 90% complete with some restoration with new material. Teeth are reattached with repairs and visible break lines across the enamel and chips. Some are probably not original to this specimen.
• Shipping Info

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