Terns eggs were highly valued on Easter Island at the end of the 1800's and this amulet is formed on the basis of a terns egg. Every year there would be a competition where the islanders would try to be the first to retrieve a terns egg from the cliffs and on return the champion would be afforded special priveleges for the next year. When you consider the population of Easter Island at the end of the 1800's was only a couple of hundred people then this amulet really is a rare object. Other amulets have come up in the past although not many but this one In terms of patina and appearance is the finest we have seen. This has previously been at auction in France so please feel free to check out Druot auction for more details.