Rare Woolly Mammoth Molar Fossil Mammuthus primigenius Pleistocene Suffolk UK Authentic

Description

Overview & Authenticity

Presented here is a rare and genuine Woolly Mammoth molar fossil, scientifically identified as Mammuthus primigenius, recovered from the Pleistocene deposits of Cavenham Asphalt Plant, Cavenham, Suffolk, England. This is an exceptional British Ice Age fossil, carefully selected for quality, preservation, and provenance. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, with full sizing clearly provided in the images.

This mammoth molar is supplied with a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the specimen’s genuine status and providing long-term confidence for collectors, institutions, and investors.

Geological Age & Pleistocene Context

The fossil dates to the Pleistocene Epoch, spanning approximately 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago, a period marked by repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. During this time, much of Britain supported cold-steppe and tundra environments, inhabited by iconic Ice Age megafauna including woolly mammoths, woolly rhinoceros, bison, and reindeer.

The Cavenham area of Suffolk is a well-documented Pleistocene fossil locality, particularly known for fluvial and floodplain deposits laid down by ancient river systems associated with the proto-River Lark. These gravel and sand deposits acted as natural traps, preserving the remains of large mammals that lived along the river margins.

Fossil Type & Taxonomic Identification

• Fossil Type: Fossil tooth (molar)
• Species: Mammuthus primigenius
• Common Name: Woolly Mammoth
• Family: Elephantidae
• Order: Proboscidea

Woolly mammoths were closely related to modern elephants but were specially adapted to Ice Age conditions. Their teeth are among the most diagnostic mammalian fossils, making molars particularly important for scientific identification and study.

Morphology & Notable Features

Mammoth molars are instantly recognisable by their large size and distinctive enamel ridge structure, formed of multiple parallel lamellae. These ridges created a highly efficient grinding surface, perfectly adapted for processing coarse grasses, sedges, and other abrasive Ice Age vegetation.

This specimen displays the characteristic thick enamel plates and robust dentine, reflecting the immense chewing forces generated by mammoths during feeding. The preservation allows the tooth’s structure and wear patterns to be clearly appreciated, offering insight into the animal’s diet and lifestyle.

Depositional Environment & Palaeoecology

During the Pleistocene, the Cavenham region comprised river channels, floodplains, and seasonal wetlands. Mammoths frequented these environments for grazing and access to water. When individuals died, their remains were transported, buried, and preserved within river gravels and silts, where low oxygen conditions helped prevent decay.

The presence of mammoth remains in Suffolk provides crucial evidence for the extent of Ice Age fauna in southern Britain and the adaptability of these animals to fluctuating climates.

Collectability & Display

British mammoth molars with precise locality data are increasingly scarce and highly sought after. This specimen is ideal for serious fossil collectors, museums, educational institutions, or high-end display collections. Its strong provenance, iconic species, and impressive visual presence make it a standout Ice Age fossil.

Guarantee & Presentation

• Genuine Woolly Mammoth molar fossil
• Exact specimen shown
• Pleistocene, Cavenham Asphalt Plant, Suffolk, UK
• Fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity included
• Carefully selected for quality and provenance

This Mammuthus primigenius molar represents a tangible connection to Britain’s Ice Age past, offering both scientific significance and exceptional collectability.