Engraved ostrich eggshell and ochre kits on display at Origins Centre

The earliest known engraved ostrich eggshell fragments are found at southern African Middle Stone Age sites. The ostrich eggshells were used as water flasks, and the markings were decorative, helping to identify each flask, but may also have served to roughen the surface to prevent slipping. These provide early evidence of storage and self-expression.

Replicas based on the engraved fragments from Diepkloof Rock Shelter and Klipdrift Rock Shelter in South Africa. The fragments were found in layers dating between 100,000 and 60,000 years ago.
Replicas made by Cedric Poggenpoel and Prof John Parkington. Donated to Origins Centre by The French Insitute of South Africa (IFAS).

Ochre-stained perlemoen shells were found in 100,000-year-old layers at Blombos Cave, South Africa. Red ochre had been ground to a powder and then mixed with seal fat, charcoal, and other ingredients, and stored in these containers. The paste may have been used as body paint for ritual displays, hide tanning, sunscreen or art.