Fossiele vistand Possibly 23000000

This is a fossilized shark tooth, its exact origins are unknown, but it resides here in the Rijksmuseum. Fossils, like this tooth, provoke thoughts about the vastness of time and the fragility of life. They are objects that connect us to worlds and beings that existed long before human history, and in some ways this humbles us. A fossilized shark tooth carries a certain primal weight, conjuring images of prehistoric seas and ancient ecosystems. Consider how our relationship to nature has changed over time, from a position of dependence and awe to one of dominance and exploitation. What does it mean to hold a relic of a creature that once ruled the oceans, now reduced to stone? As we contemplate this object, we might ponder the long-term consequences of our actions on the planet and the legacy we will leave behind for future generations.