Image Information
Image Information
Caab
The caab is said to be a marine animal with one long boneless foot (or leg) that it uses as a hand to bring food to its mouth. The artist has taken this description literally to give this caab a human arm with a large hand. The caab was "created" by Thomas of Cantimpré who misread Aristotle's description of the elephant to produce a marine monster with a boneless leg (i.e. trunk).
British Library - Digitized Manuscripts
Last update April 23, 2023
