Taking Home a Piece of Natural History: Our Top 10 Favorite Pieces
Natural history centers around the study of the natural world, which includes but is not limited to plants, animals, and other organisms that are currently living or lived millions of years ago. The study of natural history by a naturalist or natural historian is still as relevant today as it was decades ago because it helps us understand evolution, genetics, the environmental impacts climate change has on plants and organisms, and so much more!
Here at Whaler’s Locker, we believe that we shouldn’t take the natural history, or Hawaii history for that matter, for granted. Instead, we intend to honor the past by providing you with unique and one-of-a-kind natural history artifacts that you can buy for your home or office!
Celebrating Natural History
One of the most unique and exciting collections we carry here at Whaler's Locker is our collection of fossils. Each artifact is different from the last, but all tell the story of what the Earth was like millions of years ago—a time many of us can’t even imagine. To celebrate both the Earth’s natural history and Hawaii history, as well, we’ve put together a top ten list of our favorite natural history pieces. Whether you’re a natural history buff or a major collector, we think you’ll find something that you can’t live without!
Top 10 Natural History Pieces:
- Hollardrops trilobite fossil
- Ammonite fossil split pair
- Sand dollar fossils
- Polished fossil coral
- Otodus Obliquus fossil
- Tiff’s Megalodon tooth
- Scrimshaw deer antler Maui fishhook
- Scrimshaw on bone brass money clip
- Tiny fossil trilobite
- 4 ½” Polished Megalodon tooth
1. Hollardops Trilobite Fossil
One of the earliest known groups of arthropods, trilobites first appeared on Earth more than 521 million years ago during the Early Cambrian period. Because of a trilobites’ easily fossilized exoskeleton, there is an extensive fossil record for these creatures throughout the world. This beautiful trilobite fossil remains in its original matrix from Morocco. This specific artifact dates back to the Middle Devonian age, or more than 380 million years ago.
2. Ammonite Fossil Split Pair
Originating from Madagascar, this breathtaking Ammonite pair is more than 200 million years old but has never looked better thanks to its high polish. Each half of this cephalopod fossil measures a little over 2 inches across.
3. Sand Dollar Fossils
Also, from Madagascar, these exquisite sand dollar fossils date back to the Jurassic period, or approximately 150 million years ago. This is an excellent starter fossil, and with five options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your collection. Plus, if you’re a fan of Hawaii or Hawaii history, this is an excellent piece for you.
4. Polished Fossil Coral
Although it may not be from the waters off Hawaii, this polished coral fossil reminds us of Hawaiian history, especially the Maui black coral farming that was done right off the coast of Maui for decades! This specific piece, however, is not Maui black coral, but it's a fantastic coral specimen that shows off the detail and patterns of what was once coral polyps!
5. Otodus Obliquus Fossil
This prehistoric mackerel shark, similar to the ones found often in Hawaii history, the shortfin Mako shark, was a predatory shark that could reach lengths of up to 40 feet. Their teeth were especially dangerous, thanks to the long, unserrated daggers and cusp teeth at the root. These teeth could do some damage! If you are interested in expanding your fossil tooth collection, this is a great, unique find!
6. Tiff’s Megalodon Tooth
There’s a reason this one made the top of the list for favorite Megalodon teeth in the shop right now! Tiff picked this one not only for the sheer size that Megalodon teeth are known for, but also for the great edges, enamel, and the intact root. Did you notice the wormholes on the top edge? This is a Megalodon tooth you don’t want to miss out on!v
7. Scrimshaw Deer Antler Maui Fishhook
If you want to take home your own piece of Hawaii history, this scrimshaw piece is it! Not only is this a uniquely Hawaiian fishhook necklace, but it also features a beautiful scrimshaw design done by none other than local scrimshaw artist David Haake! The Maui fishhook is well known throughout Hawaiian history for protecting those who wear them from generation to generation.
8. Scrimshaw on Bone Brass Money Clip
We love this brass money clip because not only does it feature a mixture of wood and smooth bone inlay, it also features a unique scrimshaw design by none other than local scrimshaw artist, Doug Fine. Plus, there are five unique scrimshaw designs for you to choose from, so you can get one for yourself and a few other important people in your life!
9. Tiny Fossil Trilobite
We couldn't help but include this cute little trilobite in our list of natural history favorites because let's face it, it's adorable and it's the perfect first piece for an amateur or junior collector in your life!
10. 4 ½” Polished Megalodon Tooth
This perfectly polished Megalodon tooth is just over 4 ½" from its corner to its point and features a rich, charcoal coloring. Whether you plan to add this to your current Megalodon tooth collection or are just looking at Megalodon teeth to add to your shark tooth collection, we think this large specimen would be a great piece to start with!
Taking Home a Piece of Hawaiian History
Here at Whaler’s Locker, we take great pride in curated collections rich in both natural history and Hawaiian history. From shark tooth fossils, scrimshaw designs, trilobite and sand dollar fossils, and everything in between, we have something for every history buff in your life, whether that’s you or someone else you love. To take home a unique piece of Hawaii history, check out our online store or visit us at our storefront in Lahaina! We can’t wait to help you pick out the next piece for your collection.