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Fossil Foot of Dinornis, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Fossil Foot of Dinornis, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Fossil Foot of Dinornis, 1850. Lecture by Gideon Algernon Mantell on the extinct gigantic birds of New Zealand. The most extraordinary relics obtained from this spot were the entire series of bones ot the shanks and feet (twenty-six in number) of the same individual tridactyle (three-toed) bird...The toes present the characteristic number of bones observable in birds: thus the inner toe has 3 bones; middle, 4; the outer toe 5; had there been a hinder toe that would have consisted of but 2 bones. The foot, when recent, with the cartilages, claws, &c. must have been 16 inches long and 18 inches wide; the height of the bird to which it belonged wis probably about 10 feet. But there are several bones of the thigh, leg, &c. that indicate greater proportions, and an altitude of 12 or even 14 feet'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36200470
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Aotearoa Archaeological Bone Bones Claw Claws Extinct Feet Foot Fossil Fossilised Maori Natural History New Zealand Skeleton Dinornis Giant Moa Gideon Algernon Mantell
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, hailing from the 1850 edition of the Illustrated London News, showcases the Fossil Foot of Dinornis, an extraordinary discovery made in New Zealand. The foot, consisting of twenty-six bones, belonged to a tridactyle (three-toed) bird, with the inner toe bearing three bones, the middle toe four, and the outer toe five. The absence of a hind toe would have meant only two bones for that toe. The foot, with its cartilages, claws, and other soft tissues, would have measured approximately 16 inches long and 18 inches wide. Based on various thigh and leg bones found, it is believed that the bird to which this foot belonged stood at a height of around 10 feet. However, other bones suggest an even greater height of 12 or even 14 feet. This remarkable find was made during the Victorian era and was first presented to the public by renowned British naturalist Gideon Algernon Mantell in a series of lectures. Mantell, a pioneer in the field of natural history, was known for his extensive work on the extinct giant birds of New Zealand, which he referred to as 'Mantell's Moa'. The Maori people of New Zealand held great reverence for these birds, which were an integral part of their culture and mythology. This print, with its intricate engraving, provides a glimpse into the rich archaeological heritage of New Zealand and the groundbreaking discoveries made during the 19th century. The Fossil Foot of Dinornis continues to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the past and the enigmatic world of extinct giants.
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