Emu egg carving (kalti paarti) first became popular in Australia in the second half of the nineteenth century. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists practise the art. Popular subjects include landscapes, animals and people, such as the boy and emu seen here, Unusually, this egg also incorporates a portrait of The Queen.

The maker Ken Ward is a non-Aboriginal artist who previously worked as a stockman-jackaroo and overseer on sheep and cattle properties in New South Wales and Queensland. He collaborated closely with Aboriginal stockmen while learning to carve emu eggs.

The egg was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the students and staff at Bourke Public School, New South Wales, 22 March 2000.