Danish Mesolithic Period Mammal Tooth

Maglemosian Culture, c. 9000–5000 BC, Zealand, Denmark

A striking elk or aurochs molar, preserved in remarkable condition, recovered from Denmark’s ancient peat bogs. This tactile relic offers a direct connection to the Maglemosian culture, one of the earliest postglacial societies in Northern Europe.

The Maglemosians were expert hunters, gatherers, and fishers, living in forested wetlands and relying on large game like elk and aurochs. Animal remains were not only food sources but were also fashioned into tools, ornaments, and amulets.

This beautifully preserved tooth likely once belonged to a hunted animal, valued both for its meat and symbolic power—a fascinating piece of Mesolithic life and ritual, perfect for collectors of early human history.

Good condition. Age-related wear, chip and fractures. Remnants of peat bog. Lovely deep dark brown patina. Fragment is treated with a surface-protecting beeswax layer. Size approx. 7,7cm x 2,6cm x 1,6cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection.

References and further reading:

Prehistoric period (until 1050 AD)/ The Mesolithic period, Nationalmuseet i København (https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-mesolithic-period/)

Early Maglemosian culture in the Preboreal landscape: Archaeology and vegetation from the earliest Mesolithic site in Denmark at Lundby Mose, Sjælland, Catherine A. Jessen, Kristoffer Buck Pedersen, Charlie Christensen, Jesper Olsen, Morten Fischer Mortensen & Keld Møller Hansen, Quaternary International. 378, 2015, pp. 73–87. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2014.03.056)

Med bue, pil og fiskespyd, Danmarks Oldtid, Jørgen Jensen, Gyldendals Open Encyclopedia (https://danmarksoldtid.lex.dk/Med_bue,_pil_og_fiskespyd)