Specifications
Description
Locality: eastern Anti-Atlas (Tafilalt), Morocco
Era: Paleozoic
Geological Age: Silurian–Devonian, about 444–359 million years
Description: This one of a kind Moroccan fossil wash basin is carved into a distinctive heart shape with a deep, rounded central bowl and polished upper surface. The earthy olive-brown limestone contains numerous small fossil fragments throughout and is accented by prominent spiral ammonoid fossils and long, chambered orthoconic cephalopods commonly sold as “Orthoceras.” Several of the larger fossils appear to have been individually prepared and incorporated as decorative inlays, creating strong contrast against the surrounding fossiliferous stone. A central drain opening and separate faucet opening make the piece both a functional wash basin and an impressive fossil statement piece.
Fossil sinks of this type are strongly associated with the Tafilalt region of southeastern Morocco. The region exposes extensive Paleozoic marine sediments containing straight-shelled cephalopods, ammonoid relatives such as goniatites, trilobites, crinoids, and many other marine fossils. Much of the dark fossiliferous limestone commercially carved around Erfoud is Devonian in age.
This is a worked, decorative fossil stone. It is cut from Moroccan cephalopod limestone of the kind carved around Erfoud, with straight-shelled orthoceras sections. The coiled shells look like goniatites, Paleozoic relatives of the ammonites that are older than the dinosaurs. Decorative pieces like this are often assembled from more than one stone, so they are best enjoyed as fossil stone décor rather than as a single natural fossil bed.
In metaphysical traditions, fossil material is associated with grounding, stability, patience, and connection with the ancient history of the Earth. Ammonoid fossils are often linked symbolically with cycles, transformation, and continual growth because of their spiral form, while orthoconic cephalopod fossils are commonly associated with balance, confidence, and steady forward movement. The combination of ancient fossils and a functional carved basin makes this piece especially suited to a dramatic bathroom, powder room, spa, or fossil-themed interior.
Approximate size: 47 x 45 cm (18.5 x 17.5 in)
Quantity: 1pc
We do our best to buy quality products- although not every rock is the same. If you choose to purchase the "staff pick option", we will select the best of the batch for you. Otherwise, it will be at random from the larger batch we have in stock.