$65.00
A 3.5-inch fossilized whale inner ear (periotic bone) from the Miocene Epoch, North Carolina. A rare marine mammal fossil showing remarkable anatomical detail.
In stock
This 3.5-inch whale inner ear fossil represents the periotic bone, one of the densest and most acoustically specialized structures in the mammalian body. Originating from the Miocene-age marine formations of coastal North Carolina, this specimen dates to approximately 15–20 million years ago. In the Miocene Epoch, shallow seas covered large parts of the southeastern United States; early relatives of modern baleen and toothed whales lived in these waters, and their dense ear bones are among the few elements to fossilize, resisting decay and attrition.
As the whale died and its body settled onto the sea floor, the periotic bone—among the heaviest and most compact in the skeleton—survived and eventually became mineralised within marine sediments. This gives the fossil both scientific importance and distinctive tactile weight.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetacea |
| Epoch / Age | Miocene (approximately 15–20 million years) |
| Locality / Formation | Coastal North Carolina – Marine sedimentary deposit |
The periotic bone is integral to the whale’s inner ear complex—containing the vestibule, cochlea, and other structures crucial for underwater hearing and balance. The preserved shape of this fossil displays the characteristic curvature and density of the structure, with surface mineralisation in tan to deep brown tones reflecting silica and iron replacement during fossilisation.
The weight and compact design of the bone allowed it to survive waves and currents when the surrounding skeleton did not—making isolated periotics some of the most frequently found marine mammal bones in fossil beaches and deposits.
While this piece is primarily presented for its scientific and decorative value, it is worth noting that ear bones of whales and related cetaceans have moderated use beyond the academic sphere. Some collectors and alternative‐tradition dealers report that such specimens appear in healing and ritual settings, described as tools of sound, transformation, or ancestral remembrance.
In particular, shamanic and tribal narratives have portrayed whale ear bones as carriers of sound-history or as aids in attuning to deeper listening and ancient oceanic memory. While no definitive ethnographic source supports their use by Peruvian healers specifically, many supply descriptions claim that these ritual uses mirror the bone’s natural function—receiving and transmitting sound over vast distances. For this reason, such usage is noted here strictly as cultural narrative rather than verified tradition.
At 3.5 inches, this fossil offers significant presence and detail—large enough to display the full curvature of the component bone, yet small enough for careful exhibition. The tactile density and polished surface draw attention to the intersection of ancient animal biology and geological process. It is ideally suited for a focused fossil collection, natural-history display, or as a conversation piece in study or office. The combination of rarity, form, and provenance adds to its appeal for serious enthusiasts.
Handle with care—avoid sudden changes in temperature, prolonged exposure to moisture, or abrasive cleaning. Use a soft brush to gently remove dust; avoid acids or harsh cleaners as mineral replacement zones may be sensitive. Store in a stable, dry environment and consider supporting the piece on a padded stand or display cushion to preserve its shape and surface over time.
| Weight | 7 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.5 × 1.5 × 3.50 in |
