For Millions of years the woolly mammoth roamed the lands of Northern Europe, across Siberia and into North America. Woolly mammoths are perhaps the best known mammals of the Ice Age. Much is known about their appearance because carcasses have been found preserved in the frozen ground in Siberia, and wall pictures by stone-
age artists can be seen today in ancient European caves. Woolly Mammoths grew to about the size of present-day Asiatic elephant, possessed warm coats consisting of long, brown guard hairs and soft under wool, large curved Ivory tusks, and knob-like heads.
Ancient Elephant of the Ice AgesThe woolly mammoth stood as much as 12 feet at the shoulder and ate 400 pounds of edge and grasses each day. Possessing great bulk and formidable tusks, the mammoth reserved the right of way to the best pastures.
Mammoth vs. MastodonUnlike previously thought , elephants are not
descendants of mammoths - they`re cousins who scientists say evolved from a common ancestor. Although they descended from the same animal - the pig-like Moeritherium - they're distinctly different creatures. The Mastodon emerged first and was shorter; the tallest ever found was about 3 meters high at its shoulders. Mammoths typically ranged from 2.3 to 2.8 meters in height, although some 3.3 meter tall specimens have been found - comparable to African elephants.
Tusks .... are a cross-section of age and health, because they grow in rings like trees. Wear patterns in the ivory may show more about how the mammoths lived. Today some of the most cherrished remnants of this mighty beast are rare deposits of their fossilized ivory. Buried by glaisers during the last ice age, this ivory has taken on beautiful patterns and colors from the soil and makes a extraordinary alternative to protected elephant ivory.
The Mammoth ivory is legal for import & export, permits are not necessary. This ivory is used for carving, for objects of adornment and whole pieces are prized as display items.
Care .... should be taken with this fossil by using only a soft cloth and no chemicals of cleaning agents to preserve the beauty of the ivory for another 10,000 to 30,000 years.
