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

Description

Elephant Bird Egg
Aepyornis maximus
Madagascar

Approaching 11 inches (28 cm) in height, this gigantic egg was produced by an enormous Elephant Bird known as Aepyornis, which belonged to a group of flightless birds called ratites and represented one of the largest and heaviest birds in the world. Reaching heights over 10 feet (3 meters) and weighing up to 880 pounds (400 kilograms), these massive avian beasts were an example of the phenomenon of "Island Gigantism," with their existence even being chronicled in writings by the legendary explorer Marco Polo. This rare, antique offering boasts an overall light and mottled coloration with considerable texture over its rather expansive surface. Elephant Birds were completely extinct by the 17th Century, with their demise likely a result of human activity on the island of Madagascar, where this specimen originated. This is a unique collectible item.
Measurements: 10.63 x 7.48 inches (27.00 x 19.00 cm)



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