Lot 227
**Originally Listed At $350**
Ancient Seas, Morocco, Devonian Period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago. A striking vertical stone matrix intricately carved and prepared to reveal multiple fossilized shells of Orthoceras, a prehistoric cephalopod that once thrived in ancient oceans. The elongated, horn-like shells protected the soft-bodied animal and its tentacles, and after death, the remains settled on the seabed where they were buried in sediment and slowly fossilized over millions of years. Numerous polished Orthoceras shells protrude dramatically from the matrix in layered, blade-like formations, their segmented chambers clearly visible against the rougher stone. The glossy jet-black polish enhances the contrast with the white fossil interiors and natural quartz inclusions, creating a dynamic and sculptural presentation. Size: 9" L x 9" W x 30" H (22.9 cm x 22.9 cm x 76.2 cm)
Prehistoric 'straight' cephalopods include straight ammonoids called orthoceras. Cephalopod evolution began during the Late Cambrian Period. Some of these creatures evolved into semi-coiled forms, eventually giving rise to coiled cephalopods like ammonites and nautili. Straight cephalopods were among the most advanced invertebrates of their time, with eyes, jaws, and a sophisticated nervous system. These creatures were predators that swam freely using a jet propulsion system by squirting water from their bodies. They had tentacles and ink sacs, much like present-day squid. Except for belemnites, cephalopods had external shells with hollow internal chambers separated by walls called septa. A tube called the siphuncle connected the body with the chambers allowing the animal to fill them with water or air, changing its buoyancy in order to rise or drop in the ocean. Only the last and largest chamber was occupied by the living animal!
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection
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#196646
- Condition: Professionally prepared and polished. Large loss to the tip of a projection on the top, and another tip has been reattached. Some chips and scratches to the lower areas, but otherwise good condition.
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