Upper Pleistocene - 100.000 BCE - 10.000 BCE

Unità di misura: cm; Altezza: 16,5; Larghezza: 25; Lunghezza: 39

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This skull was found in the Caverna delle Fate (Fairy Cave) in the province of Savona, along with other skeletal remains that document the presence of cave bears in numerous prehistoric caves in Liguria. Larger than today's grizzly bears and mainly herbivorous, they were widespread in Europe during the Upper Pleistocene. It could reach a height of up to 3.5 metres on its hind legs and had long teeth and sharp claws. These animals took refuge in caves during the winter, and some individuals could die or be hunted by Neanderthals: hunting cave bears could provide a large amount of meat, but also fur, tendons and fat. In the Bàsura Cave in Toirano (SV), cave bears lived between 50,000 and 24,000 years ago, and an excavation inside the cave has revealed a layer where traces of fossilised fur have been found. A large specimen, completely reconstructed from the bones of different individuals from the Caverna del Pastore (Toirano, SV), can also be admired at the museum. Skull of "Ursus Spaeleus" (order: carnivores; family: ursidae), somewhat chipped and covered with clay incrustations. It preserves 'in situ' all the teeth except the incisors.