Narwhal tooth
The narwhal is a marine mammal living in the Arctic Ocean. The males of this species have a particularly protruding tooth: lined with nerve endings, the rostrum allows the animal to find its way around on the sea floor. Because the narwhal was considered a "unicorn of the sea", its tooth was particularly sought after by collectors in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Based on the writings of ancient authors such as Pliny or Aristotle, but also on sacred texts - the existence of the unicorn seems obvious and feeds the imagination of hunters and the curious. This important specimen is mounted on a bronze animal head made by the sculptor Saint Clair Cemin. It is presented with the odd heads, precious objects and other curiosities in the Unicorn cabinet.
