Ostriches and people in archaeological contexts in the southern Levant and beyond

Abstract

This article considers the archaeology, based mainly on eggs, of the extinct ratite (flightless birds, infraclass Palaeognathae) Struthio camelus syriacus (henceforth referred to as ‘ostrich’). Ostrich eggs were used as canteens, vessels, or raw material to produce prestige objects or ornaments. Starting with eggs discovered in a Middle Bronze Age cemetery in Tel Aviv, the production technology, symbolism and meaning, as well as assumed motivations and other cultural marks are analysed. The finds are analysed in a broader context, including the relationship between man and ostrich. The article reviews occurrences where ostrich-related remains, such as workshops, complete and fragmented eggs, as well as a small number of bones that have been recovered in archaeological excavations and surveys, have been found.