Giant Elephant Bird Egg with Remnants Inside

Aepyornis maximus
Southern Madagascar
Pre-17th century
The extinct flightless bird, Aepyornis maximus, produced the largest egg of any animal that ever lived, including the dinosaurs. Commonly known as the Elephant Bird, a name that originated from Marco Polo's account of the giant bird in 1298, the species was described by Marco Polo as a ten-foot-tall bird that weighed over half a ton, having talons large enough to seize an elephant. Aepyornis maximus, lived only on the island of Madagascar and went extinct in the middle of the 17th century. The present exceptional egg is unbroken and original. Specimens of this quality and condition are very rare and highly desired by collectors. The present specimen is rare in that when one moves the egg, the sound of a powdery substance shifting can be heard. A minute hole is seen on one area on the eggshell....most likely a chick attempting to peck his way out. Circumference: 27 in. Height 11in

Offered with a rose quartz base with a recessed well to accommodate the egg. Diameter: 8in