The Xiphactinus (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Palaeo-Sculptures
As we mentioned in our previous Story, palaeo-sculptures are a great way of helping people picture what an extinct animal would have looked like when it was alive, and Morden has a wealth of fossil material to draw from to inspire these sculptures.
Archie the Archelon
In addition to the previously discussed Xiphactinus fish, Morden is also home to a life-size sculpture of an Archelon turtle, nicknamed Archie.
Archelon (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Archelon Turtles
At up to 4.6 meters in length, the Archelon genus of turtles are the largest turtles to have ever existed. They lived right here in Manitoba when the Western Interior Seaway covered the province during the Cretaceous period.
Reconstruction
As you might expect, reconstructing world's largest turtle posed some unique problems, but the CFDC's Adolfo Cuetara was up for the challenge.
The Archelon's Frame (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Creating the Frame
The first step in recreating the Archelon turtle was the construction of a steel frame and supports. Curved to follow the turtle's shape, these steel frames were then welded together.
Adding the Mesh (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Next, the frame was covered in a metal mesh to create an even base for the finer details.
An epoxy was used to cover the mesh and create the finer details, such as the facial features.
Painting the Archelon (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Painting the Details
The sculpture was then painted in realistic colours that recreated every detail, from the carapace to the texture of the flippers.
Transporting the Archelon (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Transporting a Giant
Once this truck-sized sculpture was complete, it had to be transported to its new location.
The 'flying' turtle made its way through Morden on the back of a trailer.
Installing the Archelon (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Installing the Sculpture
Once it arrived on site, a crane had to be used to lift the enormous turtle onto its new base.
Next, concrete was poured to create a solid base for the sculpture, and printed concrete was used to create a visually appealing surface.
Unveiling the Archelon (2023) by Canadian Fossil Discovery CentreCanadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Morden Welcomes Archie
The sculpture was unveiled to the public in 2017. Along with the sculptures of the Xiphactinus fish and Bruce the mosasaur, Archie the Archelon remains one of Morden's most interesting attractions.
This sculpture was made possible by donations from Adolfo Cuetara, Meridian Manufacturing, Morden Co-op grocery store, the City of Morden, and Elite Crushing.
