- Origin: Lacoste, Southern of France
- Age: Upper Miocene, Burdigalian, 20-16 milion years ago
- Size: H43cm W33cm D8.5cm
- Description: 20 to 16 million years old Gigantopectens restitutensis shells in original matrix. This natural assemblage emphasizes the interesting texture and three-dimensional depth of each specimen. The pecten shell is one of the most typical ornamental features of Mediterranean renaissance architecture and is found on most of the buildings of that time. As this specimen demonstrates, its aesthetic appeal has not diminished with time.
- Additional information: Preserved in their final pose, these fossil Pectens, are the ancestors of today’s modern (edible) scallop. Their surrounding host rock has been carved away to reveal their detail.