Treasures of the Tar Pits: Fossil Discoveries from Rancho La Brea (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1990 January 26 - 1990 April 1

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in January 26, 1990 and closed April 1, 1990. Located in Section 1A, Floor 1 in Gallery 77 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Treasures of the Tar Pits: Fossil Discoveries from Rancho La Brea" was an exhibition displaying six extinct Ice Age mammals that met their death when they became trapped in the sticky pools of asphalt that resulted from upwellings of petroleum through the Earth's crust at Rancho La Brea in southern California.

Summary

"Treasures of the Tar Pits: Fossil Discoveries from Rancho La Brea" was an exhibition displaying six extinct Ice Age mammals that met their death when they became trapped in the sticky pools of asphalt that resulted from upwellings of petroleum through the Earth's crust at Rancho La Brea in southern California. Mounted for display were the skeletons of a saber-toothed cat; two dire wolves; a coyote; a North American lion, and a Harlan's ground sloth. The fossil remains of reptiles, birds, mollusks, insects and plants were also displayed. Malcolm D. McKenna, the then curator in the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Museum, pointed out that the "tar" is quite mobile and over the years new fossils get churned up to the surface. The exhibition reflected new scientific models of the Ice Age landscape and climate of the Los Angeles area as well as the behavioral characteristics of the creatures. Also on view was an interactive display called "Asphalt is Sticky" and a mural painted by Mark Hallett depicting the Ice Age flora and fauna. The exhibit also explored the human history of Rancho La Brea. A cast of the skull of "La Brea Woman" was featured. Organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the exhibit was on view in Gallery 77 of the American Museum of Natural History from January 26 through April 1, 1990.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Malcolm C. McKenna; AMNH Department of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, October 30, 1989. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Gallery 77.
Location of exhibition.

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