Purpose

Ipswich Museum has been offered a rhino molar
from Red Crag deposits from East Lane, Bawdsey.
 
Ipswich Museums’ Red Crag material has
been recognised as being internationally significant and awarded
Designation status by Arts Council England. This specimen comes
with full provenance data and has significant research value
including research into diet, ecology and evolution through
fostering detailed measurements and shape analysis (including
mesowear) and study of scratch patterns (microwear).
 
This specimen is significant for the following
reasons:
• Red Crag, which is the only UK exposure
recording the Pliocene-Pleistocene
transition.
• Mammal material from the Red Crag is
extremely rare
• The specimen complements our existing
collection of rhino molars
• It is rare example of contemporary
collecting of this type of material
• Has significant research potential, and
potential display value.
 
How does it meet Collections Development
Policy:
5.11.1 Collecting will focus on two areas
which are recognised as being of national significance: Coralline
Crag, Red Crag and Norwich Crag fossils, and periglacial and
interglacial (Ice Age) fossils.

Decision

To acquire the Red Crag molar specimen.
 
Reason:
Collecting will focus on two areas which are
recognised as being of national
significance: Coralline Crag, Red Crag and
Norwich Crag fossils, and periglacial and interglacial (Ice Age)
fossils.