Koala Bear Skull
NEW HOLLAND 1876
NEW HOLLAND 1876
Latin: Phascolarctos cinereus
Size: Measures approx. 42cm x 33cm x 17cm
Description: Rare and beautifully presented part Koala Bear skull on original stand. Ex museum collection. Ivorine plaques read: 'Phascolarctos cinereus, NEW HOLLAND, 1876. KOALA.
The first recorded encounter between a European and a koala was in 1798, and an image of the animal was published in 1810 by naturalist George Perry. Because of its distinctive appearance, the koala is recognised worldwide as a symbol of Australia. The koala is featured in the Dreamtime stories and mythology of indigenous Australians and the Tharawal people believed that the animal helped row the boat that brought them to the continent. Bidjara-speaking people credited the koala for turning barren lands into lush forests.