Ostrich egg water holder with a hole drilled into the top; leather strap inserted into hole, for carrying purposes. Incised antelope designs around sides; incisions are filled in black. On front, large antelope is shown in profile with one foreleg raised. It has detail work on its face and stripes on its leg. On back, large black antelope is depicted in profile with both forelegs in motion. 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 27.0 cm, diameter 14.0 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 3512/0035