Cow Atlas Vertebra C1 Neck Bone – Natural Weathered Sun Dried Bovine Bone 9in

Description

A natural atlas vertebra (the first neck vertebra, C1) from a large hoofed animal. It was found naturally in the woods out of state (Oregon or Colorado) during field surveys, and it is naturally sun-dried with very little cleaning done. Identified as a cow atlas vertebra, best ID from shape and size, not lab-confirmed; elk possible. The atlas is the first bone of the neck, the ring that the skull rocks on. This one has the broad, flat, wing-like sides (transverse processes) and deep paired cups for the skull typical of cattle, and its 9-inch width fits a cow; a large elk is also possible.

This is a heavily weathered, aged specimen. The bone is weathered grey all over, with surface cracking and a crazed texture from years of sun and weather. The edges are worn and eroded in places, showing the spongy inner bone, and there are rust-brown staining spots scattered across the surface. Both wide, wing-like transverse processes are present, each with its foramen, the large vertebral canal ring is intact, and the deep cranial articular cups on the front face are clear. It has had very little cleaning, so it keeps its natural, rustic, sun-bleached character. The photos show it from the front, back, top and sides, held in hand, and next to a tape measure for scale.

Features:

• Natural atlas vertebra (first neck vertebra, C1) from a large hoofed animal; best ID cow (Bos taurus) from shape and size, not lab-confirmed; elk possible
• Wide, wing-like transverse processes on both sides, each with a foramen (small passage hole)
• Large vertebral canal ring through the center
• Deep cranial articular cups (where the skull sat) on the front face
• Heavily weathered grey bone with surface cracking and a crazed, flaky texture in places
• Worn and eroded edges showing the spongy inner bone, with rust-brown staining spots
• Natural, naturally sun-dried, very little cleaning: a good rustic piece as is
• Approx. 9 x 5 x 4 inches, 1 lb 2.3 oz (18.3 oz)
• One of a kind: you get the vertebra pictured

Sold as is. Wearing gloves, then cleaning and sanitizing before handling, is advisable. Great for rustic or western decor, ranch, farmhouse and cabin displays, oddity and curiosity collections, natural-history and anatomy study, bone and skeleton displays, art and craft projects, or Halloween and gothic decor. Decorative and educational use only.

Legal note: this is a natural, aged specimen found out of state (not in Washington), sold as a natural-history and curiosity item. Please check your own state’s or country’s rules on animal bones before you buy; I can’t ship where it isn’t allowed.

Aged item: As is, no returns. Local pickup in Sumas, WA.

Shipping note: padded and boxed, 11 x 6 x 4 inches, 1 lb 3 oz packed. Live carrier rates only; no flat rate.