Dodo Bird Bones (Set of 4). Raphus cucullatus. Holocene. Mauritius. ... (Total: 4 Items)

Description

Dodo Bird Bones (Set of 4)
Raphus cucullatus
Holocene
Mauritius

This quartet of associated bones of an extinct Dodo Bird was dug on the island of Mauritius in 1867 and given to an officer in the British military. Serving in India for the Monarchy, the soldier happened to be a great-grandfather of the current owner, who inherited the artifacts down through his family lineage. An uncommon, unique, and extremely rare material, remnants of the iconic flightless birds are seldom seen for sale. In the possession of the current owner since 1962, this grouping consists of 4 specimens - pairs of long and short bones - with an "antique" appearance. While three are golden-brown in coloration, an outlier is a fourth bone which is a burned black hue that could be an indication it may have been 'cooked' further supported by a broken end where bone marrow may have been extracted. This secondary story that the creature may have been butchered before the discovery of its bones just adds more potential intrigue to the distinctive offering. A handwritten label with considerable 'yellowing' in cursive supports the age of the specimens and was signed by G.F. (George Fuller) Walker of the 22nd Regiment, who had a rank of Major at that time before, ultimately, becoming a General for his service in country. A portrait of the soldier was taken by Fry & Rahn Artists & Photographers who were appointed by the Governor-General to chronicle such important events; the associated photograph shows the distinguished serviceman in a regal pose in his full dress uniform. The longest of these relatively light and, not surprisingly, "hollow" bones measures 8 inches (20 cm) long. Dating so far back, plus having such provenance, makes these special.
Measurements: 7.87 x 1.81 x 1.26 inches (20.00 x 4.59 x 3.21 cm)

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