A Decorative Early 20thC Alpaca Skull

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Origin: Probably South American
Period: Early/Mid Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1920-50
Height: 5 inches (at maximum)
Length: 9 inches (at maximum)

The comparatively large and angular shaped skull of the Alpaca (Vicugna pacos), survives preserved from the first half of the twentieth century.

The condition of the whole is good with a well-aged patination making the skulls appearance nicely aged and it proves tactile. There are lower incisors present. The bottom and top halves of the skull have at one stage been fixed together so they are married and cannot currently be separated. There are no obvious clues as to how the alpaca died.

The alpaca is a domesticated herd species originally native to South America. Similar in appearance to its relative the llama, the alpaca is smaller and has finer wool. South American inhabitants have used this wool for thousands of years in the production of textiles. Alpaca were once thought to be descended from llamas but new DNA research shows the vicuña as the alpaca''s ancestor.

Place purposefully and await the admiring glances and inventible questioning:
“Alpaca you say… Really? I’d never have guessed…”
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