Palm-sized Dinosaur Skull Figures
A mini figure modeled on the skull of Spinosaurus, often seen in museums and at dinosaur events. Its compact size makes it easy to display on a desk or shelf. An information card is included.
Spinosaurus
Classification: Saurischia/Theropoda/Spinosauridae
Size: Total length 13–15 meters
Period: Late Early to Late Cretaceous
Its most distinctive feature is the sail on its back, which could reach 1.8 meters in height and is thought to have been used for thermoregulation, intimidation, and display. It also differed from other theropods in having relatively straight teeth and a long, slender jaw. A fossil specimen excavated in 1912 was lost in an air raid during World War II, bringing research to a standstill, but fossils discovered in recent years have suggested that Spinosaurus may have had a semi-aquatic lifestyle similar to that of crocodilians.
Interview with Supervisor Hirokazu Tokugawa
- A new Skull Series has been added to the Dinosaur Mini Model lineup.
Dinosaur skulls are often seen in museums and at dinosaur events. What do you find particularly fascinating or interesting about them? - The skull is a part where many distinctive features are concentrated, not only in dinosaurs but in all vertebrates, making it one of the most important parts for understanding an animal. On the other hand, for many prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs, skulls are difficult to preserve as fossils. Even skulls displayed in museums can differ in shape depending on which parts were discovered and how they were reconstructed. These differences could be considered the individuality and appeal of each skull. Comparing different displays while paying attention to these differences can be a fun way to find your favorite.
- What points did you pay particular attention to when sculpting the master models?
- Overall, I based the work on conventional specimens and reference materials familiar to most people, referring to other specimens and related species where information was missing. Choosing and interpreting references was often difficult, and the work would not have been possible without the guidance of supervisor Professor Masato Watanabe. I also consulted Ren Hir...
For the three dinosaurs from Fukui, the goal was to reproduce the reconstructed skulls currently on display. I worked from many photographs taken at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and other locations. Through the Supervision process, I learned about details I had overlooked as well as important characteristics, which also gave me a renewed appreciation for the appeal of Fukui’s dinosaurs. - Finally, could you share your comments on this model?
- When creating reconstruction models, I usually make a simple skull as an internal framework. Sculpting the skull itself in such detail, as I did this time, was almost a first for me and gave me an opportunity to observe and study skulls closely once again. I hope this series inspires everyone to take an interest in skulls and discover them from a new perspective.
Supervisor Profile
Hirokazu Tokugawa
paleoartist／prehistoric lifereconstruction model artist
A dinosaur reconstruction model artist who creates works that combine academic research with the appeal of three-dimensional art, he is also a leading specialist in prehistoric life reconstruction models.