Elephant Bird Egg . Aepyornis maximus . Madagascar . ...

Description

Elephant Bird Egg
Aepyornis maximus
Madagascar

Belonging to a group of flightless birds known as ratites, the Elephant Bird was a beneficiary of the concept of "island gigantism" growing to heights of 10 feet (3 meters) and approaching weights of 880 pounds (400 kilograms). Aepyornis maximus was the largest bird in the world at the time, and one of the heaviest. References to the gigantic creatures, that inhabited the island of Madagascar until going extinct, likely during the 17th century, can be found in the journals of legendary explorer Marco Polo, describing interactions with very large birds in the 12th and 13th centuries as well as in recorded frequent sightings of Elephant Birds in the 1640s and 1650s, by Etienne de Flacourt, the French Governor of Madagascar. Producing eggs over 160 times the volume of a chicken egg, the limited examples, especially complete, rather than composite, specimens are truly surreal, at a minimum, and this representation measuring nearly 13 inches (33 cm) in height certainly makes a substantial visual statement. The egg has an expected slit on the back side but is otherwise intact. There is a single linear superficial fracture line from the slit that runs partially around the shell but which is cosmetic and not structural. Several 'scuff' marks on the offering are randomly clustered around the bottom section of the egg. Unusually large even for the variety, this is one of only a very finite number of such complete specimens. A consummate historical curiosity, this Elephant Bird Egg is a most unique and rare collectible. The off-white surface offers a multitude of various hues.
Measurements: 12.60 x 9.06 inches (32.00 x 23.00 cm)

More Information: The accompanying images are an artistic interpretation, based on knowledge from the fossil record and ancillary factors, of the potential appearance of the above extinct animal. Please note the renderings and skeleton do not accompany the Lot.


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