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2017/4/3-4 Donkeys hoof, bone / fur, collected by Charis Schwarz, Syria, 1965, part of a collection of unique travel mementoes acquired by George and Charis Schwarz while riding a 1965 BMW motorcycle around the world, 1965-1968. Click to enlarge.

Dried donkey's hoof travel memento found in Syria by Charis Schwarz

This donkey's hoof was found in a desert in Syria, in the Middle East, by Sydney motorcycling enthusiast, Charis Schwarz, in 1965 while riding a BMW motorcycle around the world with her partner, George. The unusual travel memento was kept for over 50 years as a good luck charm. It was also a reminder of a powerful and moving experience the couple had witnessed at the time hearing the playing of a rare playing Middle Eastern stringed instrument.

While the Australian-born, Charis, was visiting …

This object is part of

Summary

Object No.

2017/4/3-4

Object Statement

Donkeys hoof, bone / fur, collected by Charis Schwarz, Syria, 1965, part of a collection of unique travel mementoes acquired by George and Charis Schwarz while riding a 1965 BMW motorcycle around the world, 1965-1968

Physical Description

The object is a small, well preserved severed donkey's hoof with some bone attached. Fur and skin are still present and it has been mummified to the bone. Due to aging and exposure to elements, the colour of the hoof, bone, skin and fur has changed to a dark golden brown.

Dimensions

Height

90 mm

Width

110 mm

Cite this Object

Harvard

Dried donkey's hoof travel memento found in Syria by Charis Schwarz 2023, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, accessed 25 March 2023, <https://ma.as/548830>

Wikipedia

{{cite web |url=https://ma.as/548830 |title=Dried donkey's hoof travel memento found in Syria by Charis Schwarz |author=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Australia}}