Unhatched Egg of an Aepyornis Maximus, or Elephant Bird

Unhatched Egg of an Aepyornis Maximus, or Elephant Bird

Aepyornis maximus

Pre-17th Century (Radiocarbon Dated to 749-400 B.C.E.)

Madagascar

10½ x 8 inches (26.7 x 20.3 cm), 25⅞ inches (65.7 cm) in circumference at its widest point. 3 pounds, 3.7 ounces (1466 g). Dark wood base included.

A remarkably complete giant eggshell of an Aepyornis maximus. X-ray imaging reveals no fractures or cracks; hence, the egg was neither hatched nor repaired. Eggshell has been radiocarbon dated to 749-400 B.C.E. A small circular hole is present at one end showing worn edges, suggesting the hole occurred long ago, possibly one hundred years or more.