Fossil fish Lycoptera sp. from China It is an old beaded

It is an old beaded drinking vessel made from leather and wood

There are a few possible causes for this including possible scurvy

The pelvis has also been coloured in places to show muscle attachments

This is known as "Kalti Paarti"

The two large cowries are attached to either end of a piece of what looks like bamboo on which the fofona hangs

Fossil fish Lycoptera sp. from China It is an old beadedThese fish were abundant in fresh water in present day China during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They are typically found in the preserved sediments and often in groups. This specimen has a complete fossil on one side and an almost complete example on the reverse, together with four partial skeletons. The whole slice measures 24cm x 12cm at the widest points. A lovely example of the species and a nice group of specimens.