Decorative ostrich eggs were the ultimate symbol of wealth and influence around the Mediterranean 5,000 years ago but little is known about how they were traded. An international team of experts, led by the University of Bristol, looked at five ostrich eggs from the British Museum's collection. Dr Hodos added: 'We also found eggs require time to dry before the shell can be carved and therefore require safe storage. The researchers say this implies the egg trade was flexible and opportunisticPictured, details of a ram's head from the Isis tomb in Italy. “We also found eggs require time to dry before the shell can be carved and therefore require safe storage,' Dr hodos adds.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 08, 2020 22:02 UTC