AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG
拍品 143

AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG

MADAGASCAR, PRE-17TH CENTURY

已結束2012年5月22日

成交價

GBP 12,500

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AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG
Madagascar, pre-17th century
an egg of Aepyornis maximus, maximum diameter 8¾ inches, with small restorations.
12½in. (32cm.) high

專家說明

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.