Lot 2
GAO-GUENIE
FELL GAO, BURKINA FASO, 5TH MARCH 1960
Ancient, African & Oceanic Art and Natural History
Auction: 08 July 2026 at 14:00 BST
Description
H5 olivine-bronzite chondrite. On 5 March 1960, the residents of Gao, a village in Burkina Faso, West Africa, witnessed the dramatic fall of this meteorite. Several fragments crashed through the roofs of local huts as pieces rained down across the area. As the meteorite passed through Earth's atmosphere, intense heat and pressure caused it to break apart, scattering fragments over a wide strewn field. During their descent, the fragments developed a thin black coating known as a fusion crust, formed as their surfaces melted and rapidly cooled. This distinctive feature is clearly visible on the present specimen.
Dimensions
745g
Provenance
Michael Casper, United States (accompanied by original tag)
The Robert Elliott Meteorite Collection, acquired from the above