Ostrich egg water holder with a hole drilled into the top; leather strap inserted into hole, for carrying purposes. Incised geometric and animal motifs throughout; incisions are filled in black. Antelope designs are on front and back, directly underneath the drilled hole. Animal on front has its knees bent and tongue out; animal on back is standing straight. Long lines of connected diamonds run down sides, dividing the front and back of the container. 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, leather skin, charcoal
• Measurements height 39.3 cm, diameter 13.5 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 3512/0031