Protea Flower & Sunbird Egg with stand

This genuine ostrich egg was selectively sourced from the Karoo in South Africa, the home of the South African ostrich. The design of the egg showcases the Protea which is among the oldest families of flowering plants on the planet. This ancient flower species, dating back approximately 300 million years, as well as the Sunbird (the African cousin to the American Hummingbird) make the perfect pair in this beautiful design.  Proteas, also known as sugarbushes (due to the excessive amount of nectar the flowers produce) attract a range of nectarivores birds including the tiny sunbirds which commonly weigh between 5g-45g. These beautiful birds are often found with bright colourful plumage use their downward-curved bills to drink the nectar from the Proteas. Proteas grow in a harsh environment with dry, hot summers and wet, cold winters and need bushfires for reproduction and regeneration. The polystone warthog tusk stand is magnificently paired with this egg for the female appeal and is the perfect gift for those who enjoy different interior decor products.

DECORATIVE OSTRICH EGG DIMENSIONS

• Egg height: 155mm / 6.1"
• Egg diameter: 125mm / 4.9"
• Egg & stand combined height 225mm / 8.85"

SUSTAINABLY SOURCES OSTRICH EGGS

We only use export-quality, authentic ostrich eggs, which have been sourced from the arid Karoo region of Southern Africa. Ostriches thrive in these conditions and lay eggs that typically vary in size between 13cm-15cm. Once the egg is collected the yoke is removed from the unfertilized egg and the shell is treated and sterilized.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS

After sterilization is complete the manufacturing process begins. Each egg is decorated with care by our African craftsmen. A minimum of fifty layers of decoupage is applied to the egg to increase its strength. This process takes countless of hours and ultimately yields a hardy egg that is between 2.5cm – 3cm in thickness. This lengthy process hardens the ostrich egg to the extent that each egg can withstand up to 120kgs of vertical pressure. Given the fact that each egg varies in size and design; due to the manual processes employed, each egg is essentially a unique piece of African art.

DECORATIVE STANDS

Each of our decoupage ostrich eggs is paired with a complimentary stand that showcases the beautiful design of the eggs and offers a functional stable base for the eggs to rest on. Each stand is manufactured from durable polystone and then hand-painted by our artists.

ABOUT OSTRICHES

The South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) is a subspecies of the common ostrich, a specie of large flightless bird native to Southern Africa. Also known as the Black-necked ostrich, Cape ostrich or Southern ostrich they are widely farmed for their meat, eggs, and feathers. They usually weigh from 63 to 145 kilograms (139–320 lb) with exceptional males weighing up to 156.8 kg (346 lb). Their skin is primarily used for premium leather products and the meat is marketed commercially as a lean alternative to beef.

They have a lifespan of up to 45 years and their diet mainly consists of plant matter, especially roots, seeds and leaves, although it is not uncommon for them to also eat locusts, lizards, snakes and rodents. Ostriches also consume sand and pebbles which help grind up their food inside their gizzard; a small pouch where food is crushed and ripped up before it reaches the stomach.

Ostriches live in nomadic groups of 5 to 50 birds and when threatened, will either hide by lying flat against the ground or run away. Contrary to popular belief, ostriches don't bury their heads in the sand, but they do lie down with their heads against the ground when they feel threatened. It therefore only looks like the ostrich has buried its head because its head and neck blend in with the colour of the sand. Ostriches can run at speeds of over 70 km/h (43 mph) and can cover 3 to 5 m (9.8 to 16.4 ft) in a single stride. If cornered however, they can attack with devastating accuracy. A kick from their powerful legs have been known to kill lions.

These remarkable birds are extremely well adapted to the harsh African conditions and require relatively little water to survive since they derive most of the moisture they need, from the plants they eat. Their ability to regulate their temperature in very hot conditions make them ideally suited to Sub Saharan Africa.

FREE SHIPPING FOR USA:

We offer free shipping for USA customers for order over $50. Please note that for customers in other countries shipping will be calculated on checkout. Please refer to our shipping policies page for further details.

SALES TAX, VAT, AND CUSTOMS DUTY

Please note the above price excludes sales tax, VAT or customs or import duties. United States customers will have sales tax added upon checkout where required, and South African clients will have VAT added. For the rest of the world you may incur import duties that are for your account.