Natural History - Giant Elephant Bird Eggshell Group

PLEISTOCENE PERIOD, 2.6 MILLION-11,700 YEARS B.P.

5 1/4 x 6 1/8 in. (221 grams total, 13.5 x 15.7 cm including case).

A group of two eggshell sections from the Giant Elephant Bird Aepyornis sp.; supplied in a display case. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From Madagascar.
Acquired 1950s-1960s.
From an old Bristol, UK, paleontological collection.
Property of a Leicestershire, UK, private collector.
Accompanied by an identification slip.

Literature

See Fuller, E., Extinct Birds, Oxford University Press, 2000; see also Lucien, M. A., Rakotozafy et Goodman, S.M., Contribution à l'étude zooarchéologique de la région du Sud-Ouest et extême Sud de Madagascar sur la base des collections de l'ICMAA de l'université d'Antananarivo; and Milne Edwards, A., Masson, G., Research on the Extinct Ornothological Fauna of the Island of Madagascar, 1866, for information on these birds.

Footnotes

Elephant bird was a gigantic, flightless bird, measuring nearly 10 feet in height, and lived on the island of Madagascar until it became extinct, possibly as late as the 17th century.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

Live Bidding

LOT 1731