Scimitar Oryx

Scimitar Oryx, 2021
Yulia Shtern, Endangered/Extinct/Enslaved Series
11 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 5“
upcycled materials, glue, varnish
520

Scimitar oryx is a species of oryx antelope that was once widespread throughout Northern Africa. They are named after the shape of their long curved horns that resemble a scimitar sword. Both genders have the horns, and they can grow to up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). Scimitar oryx were first domesticated in Ancient Egypt, and were also bred in Ancient Rome, and in Medieval Europe. They are very social animals, traveling in herds of up to 70 animals led by a dominant bull. Scimitar oryxes can tolerate high temperatures that would be lethal to most other animals, and can go without water for many days.

Scimitar oryxes were declared extinct in the wild in 2000. Despite conservation efforts, the estimated number of individuals in the world today is only 1800.