Posted on 03/12/2007 1:05:38 PM PDT by Kimmers
A bone which came from the penis of a walrus (Os penis) and is believed to be 10,000 to 12,000 years old, was discovered in a gravel mine by Lambafell in Ölfuss in south Iceland a few weeks ago.
Sigurdur Sigurdsson, a veterinarian, handed the bone over to the Museum in Thorlákshöfn at a special ceremony last weekend, RÚV reports.
The bone was found at an altitude of 285 meters above sea level. Sigurdsson said it is unprecedented that a bone from a sea animal is discovered at such a high altitude.
Barbara Gudnadóttir, the cultural representative of Ölfuss, told RÚV that she considered the bone an extraordinary object and said she was pleased it would be displayed at the Museum in Thorlákshöfn.
Ok, how do they know this? (no sniggering)
The usik or oosik is well known by anthropologists, biologists and other scientists. Here is a photo:
Oosik is a term used in Alaska to describe the baculum (penile bone) of walruses, seals, sea lions, and polar bears. Sometimes as long as 60 cm (2 ft), it can be polished and used as a handle for knives and other tools. It is also frequently sold as a souvenir to tourists by Alaska Natives, the only people permitted to hunt the walrus today. Source
I have one on my desk (it is not quite so curved). It is 22 inches in length.
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laukur
Probably some Neanderthal dropped it there...
setting myself up for trouble, I know.......
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