The monumental skeleton can go for upwards of INR 2.2 crore in the fifth installment of the sale titled 'Curiosity V' on April 2, which will allow collectors to acquire objects spanning millions of years, and across civilisations and continents.
Objects from Ice Age Siberia, Bronze Age China, Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe are also expected to go under the hammer in an upcoming auction, according to reports from IANS.
The monumental skeleton is a well-preserved example of the woolly mammoth, the terrestrial mammal that encapsulates our vision of the Ice Age, Sotheby's said.
Exceptionally preserved in its entirety, it harks back to these species that existed with the Neanderthals during the Middle Paleolithic period and as the Homo sapiens during the Upper Paleolithic Period.
The 'Mammuthus Primigenius' was hunted by the prehistoric man, and hence developed long, curved tusks used for self-defence and for digging and scraping beneath the snow for food. It is expected to be sold for $319,000-447,000 (INR 2.2-3.1 crore).
The other highlights of the auction include a Neolithic period jade cong from the Liangzhu culture, a monumental stucco Buddha head dating back to the Liao dynasty in the 10th-12th century, and a section of carved stonework from the south window of Canterbury Cathedral - one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Atul Dodiya, GR Iranna, Jitish Kallat in artist lineup to show at Venice Biennale's Indian pavilion
Sotheby's auction house set to host Asian Art Week series, spotlight on Indian masters
1933 Rolls-Royce sold for 1.92 crores in first-ever live auction of vintage and classic automobiles
Raise of hope: Art Rises for Kerala auction hosts masterworks for post-flood aid