Bidspirit auction | Large Fossil Panel, extracted late

Large Fossil Panel, extracted late 20th C. - Large decorative fossil marine life panel, probably Morocco, late 20th century. The panel composed as an irregular fossiliferous stone slab with numerous polished ammonites and straight orthocone cephalopod fossils set within a textured matrix. The slab has been pieced together and mounted on a carved dark wood base, with metal brackets visible to the sides for support or display. Ammonites and orthocone cephalopods were ancient marine mollusks related to modern squid, octopus, and nautilus. Ammonites became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, while the straight-shelled orthocone forms represented here belong to an even earlier fossil lineage which became extinct 200 milllion years ago. Measurements 63.5”W 42”L BR> Material: Fossiliferous limestone or similar sedimentary stone, polished ammonite and orthocone fossils, carved wood base, and metal mounting hardware. Condition: Fragmented and repaired overall, with visible breaks, losses, fills, surface wear, and adhesive or restoration lines throughout.