"This is a helluva walrus, " says Myhrvold jauntily, trying unsuccessfully to lift the large skull out of its box.

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The law also banned other conspicuous religious symbols including Sikh turbans, large Christian crucifixes and Jewish skull caps.

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In particular, a large wound at the base of his skull seemed likely to have been made by a blade like a halberd.

CNN: February 4, 2013 -- Updated 1805 GMT (0205 HKT)