Bidspirit auction | Large Shellwork Ostrich Figurine on

Large Shellwork Ostrich Figurine on Onyx Base - A detailed shellwork figurine of a long-necked bird, likely intended to represent an ostrich or rhea, standing on a naturalistic base. The piece is intricately constructed from a diverse variety of seashells. Small, circular gastropod shells densely cover the head and neck. The body is clad in large, overlapping, translucent bivalve shells that simulate feathers. Longer, pointed shells form a shaggy tail and cover the legs in an overlapping scale-like pattern. The toes are fashioned from thin, pointed shells with a reddish hue. The bird features black bead eyes and a beak made from smooth shell fragments. The figurine is mounted on a piece of dark, porous volcanic rock (scoria). This rock base is attached to a rectangular polished plinth made of light green onyx, raised on four small, round ball feet. A white cardstock tag indicates the height. Height: 10.5 inches.