Ostrich egg water holder with a hole drilled into the top. Incised geometric, animal and floral motifs throughout; incisions are filled in black. Wide borders, with arrow motifs through their centres, circle top and bottom of egg. Identical bands run down sides, connecting the borders, and dividing the front and back of the container. Antelope designs on front and back; both are depicted in profile. The antelope on the front is leaping forward; animal on back has its head bent and is standing next to a small tree. 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 17.0 cm, diameter 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 3512/0034