Giant Sea Turtle Skull from California – Extraordinary Fossil Discovery with Historic Provenance
Dermochelyidae Family – Undescribed species
Miocene – Barstovian Stage
Shark Tooth Hill, Bakersfield, California
Just outside Bakersfield, California lies one of the richest marine fossil deposits on the American west coast; thousands of outstanding fossils have been recovered in the locality of Shark Tooth Hill, including those of sharks, seals, sea lions, whales, and rare giant sea turtles. Most of these amazing discoveries were made by Bob Ernst, who owned the site and excavated fossils there for over 30 years. The present giant sea turtle skull is one of the extraordinary treasures recovered by Ernst. It is the only known specimen to be found with a lower jaw in place. With fine bone details and textures, the skull is very well preserved; its features indicate that it was likely related to modern leatherback turtles and probably fed on jellyfish. Only 15 percent restoration is seen in this remarkable specimen. Measures 7 x 11in; overall 12in
Originally from the Bob Ernst Collection
