AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG
Lot 45

AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG

MADAGASCAR, PRE-17TH CENTURY

Closed24 April 2013

Price Realised

GBP 66,675

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AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG
Madagascar, pre-17th century
a complete egg of Aepyornis maximus, maximum diameter 8¾ inches.
12in. (30cm.) high on base

Specialist note

The Elephant Bird was thought to be the giant flying beast known as the Roc (or Ruhk) in the tales of Sinbad and accounts of Marco Polo's voyages. The bird grew to around 10 or 11 feet in height and whilst probably unable to devour an elephant, as the Roc was reputed to do, it certainly was the largest bird ever to have lived. It was estimated to weigh up to 1100lbs (the largest ostriches might grow to 8 feet in height and weigh 300lbs).
The birds are thought to have gone extinct between the 14th and 17th centuries.