Hippopotamus tusk
Object
Fossil
Object number
1991.378
Physical Description
Hippopotamus tusk/lower canine fragment with suspected pathology. One on end the pulp cavity is visible, indicating that part of this fragment would have been within the jaw.
Object history
This fragment of a hippo tusk was found in the gravels in Hackney Marsh, 15ft above sea level. It belonged to local bank clerk Joseph Simmonds Soul. On observation Prof. Adrian Lister has suggested the unusual form suggests the hippo likely had some form of illness or disease. Soul Collection VII.
Associated Event
Associated Person
Associated Place
Dimension
Width: 240mm
Height: 80mm
Height: 80mm
Exhibition Label
From ‘Hackney 300,000 BC: Meet the Neanderthal neighbours and curious creatures of the borough's Old Stone Age’
Hippopotamus
(1 million - 120,000 years ago)
Today, hippos are the world’s deadliest land animal. Remains of early hippo species show they lived in Britain during warmer periods for over one million years.
Hippos are very aggressive, and these large tusks could be used to attack potential threats.
The largest tusk fragment shown here was found in the gravels at Hackney Marsh, and belonged to local bank clerk Joseph Simmonds Soul.
Hippopotamus
(1 million - 120,000 years ago)
Today, hippos are the world’s deadliest land animal. Remains of early hippo species show they lived in Britain during warmer periods for over one million years.
Hippos are very aggressive, and these large tusks could be used to attack potential threats.
The largest tusk fragment shown here was found in the gravels at Hackney Marsh, and belonged to local bank clerk Joseph Simmonds Soul.
On display?
No