An important portion of the back has now been prepared free from the
matrix
Back almost finished
The largest portion of the vertebral column of our mosasaur has now been
prepared free from the matrix. At several places we noted shark tooth
marks, indicative of scavenging. Apparently, as soon as the enveloping
flesh had been eaten or rotted away, the ribs collapsed sideways so that
now some of them can be seen lying next to the backbone, while others
are found below it.
Shoulder girdle - our next job
The scapula-coracoid is now being restored. The various parts have already
been soaked in a hardening fluid, as the brittle bony material tended
to pulverise at the slightest touch.