Ostrich egg water holder with a hole drilled into the side. Incised animal motifs throughout; incisions are filled in black. On the left and back sides, two lions are depicted fighting one another. On the front, an antelope with spiraled horns is shown walking, with its face turned outward. On the right side, there are a four-legged animal and wildebeest(?) running. The animal is incised upside down, underneath the opening; the wildebeest is along the bottom edge. Base is undecorated.

• History Of Use

  After drilling a small hole in an ostrich shell, Khoisan would eat the raw egg, and then keep the shell for use as a water container. After filling the shell with water, the hole would be filled with a plant stem. The containers could then be buried for future use, e.g., while hunting or moving to seasonal camps. If leather straps were attached, they could be carried on belts. Markings were used to show ownership.

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• Type of Item container
• Culture Khoisan
• Material ostrich egg, charcoal
• Measurements height 14.5 cm, width 17.0 cm, depth 14.5 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Jim Hope
• Received from Jim Hope

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• Made in Kgalagadi

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• Collection Date during 1980
• Ownership Date before July 19, 2021
• Acquisition Date on July 19, 2021

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3512/0032