Elephant Bird Egg - Aepyornis - 24 cm - 24 cm - 31 cm - (1)

Rare and fascinating Aepyornis egg, the famous “elephant bird” of Madagascar, one of the largest birds to have ever existed. Aepyornis was a gigantic flightless bird, endemic to Madagascar, which became extinct in relatively recent times. Its eggs are considered among the largest avian eggs known: a single specimen could reach exceptional dimensions and contain a volume equivalent to more than a hundred chicken eggs. The shells and, especially, the complete specimens represent today testimonies of great naturalistic, historical, and collecting interest. Over the centuries many eggs were broken, eaten, or reused by local populations even as containers, which is why well-preserved specimens are particularly sought after. This specimen constitutes an important collectible object, ideal for natural history, paleontology, Wunderkammer, scientific curiosities, or furnishings of particular refinement. Origin: Madagascar Period: Holocene, approximately between the 5th millennium BC and the 7th-8th century AD Species: Aepyornis sp. Type: Egg / subfossil eggshell An object of great visual presence and notable charm, direct testimony to the extraordinary megafauna that once inhabited Madagascar. Dimensions, weight, condition, and further information available on request.

Estimate:£2,177.73

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