Piltdown Stegodon tooth C016 / 5974
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Piltdown Stegodon tooth C016 / 5974
Piltdown Stegodon tooth (item E.596). Part of a molar tooth of the extinct mammal Stegodon. The amateur geologist Charles Dawson (1864-1916) claimed to have found this tooth, along with bone fragments and prehistoric tools, at Piltdown, Sussex UK, between 1908 and 1912. Analysis of the radioactive composition of the tooth showed that it could not have come from Sussex. In 1953 the finds were shown to be frauds. Held at The Natural History Museum, London, UK
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9213057
© NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cenozoic Enamel Epitheria Eutheria Forgery Fossil Fossilised Fraud Great Britain Hoax Mammal Mammalia Molar Phanerozoic Piltdown Man Placental Mammal Pleistocene Pliocene Prehistoric Scale Specimen Sussex Teeth Theria Tooth Epoch Piltdown Piltdown Archive Piltdown Hoax Proboscidea Proboscidean
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the infamous Piltdown Stegodon tooth C016 / 5974, an artifact that has become synonymous with one of the greatest scientific hoaxes in history. Believed to be part of a molar tooth from the extinct mammal Stegodon, this specimen was allegedly discovered by amateur geologist Charles Dawson between 1908 and 1912 at Piltdown in Sussex, UK. However, extensive analysis later revealed that the radioactive composition of the tooth did not match that of Sussex, debunking its origin. In 1953, it was conclusively proven that Dawson's finds were fraudulent. This photograph captures both the beauty and deception associated with this piece. Housed at The Natural History Museum in London, UK, this image presents the tooth against a striking black background. Its intricate enamel pattern and scale provide insight into the anatomy of this ancient creature while serving as a reminder of human fallibility within scientific research. The Piltdown hoax remains an intriguing episode in paleontological history—a cautionary tale highlighting our eagerness to uncover new knowledge and our susceptibility to manipulation. As we admire this fossilized relic from Europe's past—the remnants of a proboscidean species—we are reminded to approach scientific discoveries with skepticism and rigorous scrutiny.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.