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19th Century Coco de Mer Shell – A Polished Natural Wonder

$3,921.64List Price

About the Item

"Rare 19th Century Coco de Mer Shell – A Polished Natural Wonder" --- This is a particularly fine and polished symmetrical example of a rare 19th-century Coco de Mer shell. Complete and in excellent condition, this coco de mer serves as the perfect object to place in your Wunderkammer or cabinet of curiosities, captivating all who encounter it. The coco de mer, known for its impressive size and unique shape, showcases the remarkable artistry of nature, making it a striking addition to any collection. The nut and tree of the coco de mer are a rare species of palm tree native to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. For centuries, these nuts have been the subject of various legends and lore. Endemic to the Seychelles islands of Praslin and Curieuse, the coco de mer has an intriguing life cycle. Before the islands were discovered and settled, the nuts sometimes drifted to distant shores, such as the Maldives, where the tree was unknown. These floating nuts did not germinate. The exceptional size and suggestive form of the nut, which resembles a woman's buttocks on one side and a belly and thighs on the other, have inspired numerous myths about its origins and properties. Unique among palm trees, the coco de mer palm has separate male and female trees, unlike the coconut palm. Its fruit is not adapted to disperse naturally by floating on ocean water; when it falls into the sea, it sinks due to its weight and density. After some time, the husk decays, allowing the bare nut to rise to the surface, but it can no longer germinate. The term "coco de mer," meaning "coconut of the sea" in French, reflects the nut's fascinating and mysterious nature. This rare 19th-century shell not only serves as a remarkable decorative piece but also embodies the allure of the natural world and the legends surrounding it. At an additional cost, we can have this Coco de Mer mounted on a stand in your choice of color. We invite you to follow us and explore our storefront for further 20th and 19th-century pieces. .

Dimensions:
Height: 12.6 in (32 cm)Width: 13 in (33 cm)Depth: 7.09 in (18 cm)
Style:
Other (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Coconut
Place of Origin:
Seychelles
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1900s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Weight 2.7kg.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2868333775132

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