Researchers re-examined five ostrich eggs displayed at the British Museum in London and finally uncovered the 5,000-year-old mystery behind it. These eggs, full of intricate designs and carvings, were considered luxurious as they were prized items among the elite class of Mediterranean civilizations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Among the eggs displayed in the British Museum, four are carved and painted, while one is just painted. The designs include geometric patterns, animals, flora, soldiers, and chariots. All were fitted into vessels with metal detailing, but unfortunately, none survived. Until recently, little was known about how the ostrich eggs were produced, decorated, and traded.
A team from the universities of Bristol and Durham discovered that the eggs were traded extensively in regions in the Mediterranean and Middle East. After being taken from ostrich nests, they were carefully carved and complexly decorated with colors.
Tamar Hodos, a reader in Mediterranean Archaeology in Bristol's School of Arts, discloses that they used a variety of isotopic indicators to distinguish which climatic zones the eggs were laid. The indicators determined if it came from hotter, colder, wet or dry regions.
Hodos further expressed their surprise in finding that eggs found in hot regions were discovered in the cold areas, and vice versa. She said the finding suggests even pervasive trade routes than initially thought.
Why is the Ostrich Egg so Luxurious?
Ostriches are excellent runners that can dash at speeds up to 45 miles an hour. They can peak up to 60 miles per hour in short intervals, with 12-foot strides. This makes them the fastest animals on two legs on the planet.
Its legs are an ostrich's most dangerous weapon. It can drop dangerous kicks capable of killing large predators such as lions, even humans. Each two-toed foot has a long, sharp claw which it uses to slash intruders.
With a lot on the line, no wonder eggs obtained from their nests cost a fortune. Researchers also found that the eggs need ample time to dry before carving onto the shell is possible. This implicates that safe storage was then provided at the time for the prized pieces.
Studies find that economic connotation could have played a part in the past since storage mediated for long-term investment. In addition to the risk involved in obtaining the eggs, it would have likely added value to the ostrich egg.
The Isis Tomb in Italy
The Isis Tomb in Italy is where the ostrich eggs on display at the museum were found. The tomb is an elite burial used by the Etruscan civilization back in the early nineteenth century.
It was discovered at the Polledrara Cemetery in Vulci, Lazio, Italy and was home to many artifacts possessing high monetary value. More than 60 of these artifacts are now being held in the British Museum, with the others scattered vastly in museums around the world.
The burial chamber was named as such because it was once believed that the bronze bust fond inside symbolized the Egyptian deity, Isis. Egyptians considered Isis as the goddess of life and magic. She was believed to have protected women, children, and healed the sick.
The ostrich eggs obtained from the tomb are believed to be decorated by Phoenician artists in Lebanon. How truly fascinating to discover how centuries ago, many would go through so much for a mere ostrich egg.
