Fragmented tortoise skeleton
PU723-1
This unusual way of displaying a tortoise is an "eclate de Beauchene" under glass. The Steppe tortoise, Testudo horsfieldii, they can be spoted in rather cold country, from Afganhistan to Russia where they can spend as much as 9 months of the year in dormancy. This one comes from Uzbekistan. In September 1968 two Steppe tortoises flew to the Moon, circled it, and returned safely to Earth on the Russian Zond 5 mission! The color of the shell matches well the brass base...
