Shells : A Natural and Cultural History / Fabio Moretzsohn.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Moretzsohn, Fabio, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Shells.

Mollusks.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (176 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

LONDON, England : REAKTION BOOKS LTD, [2023]

Summary:

Echoing with the sounds of the sea, an exquisite survey of the science and customs of conchs, clams, coquinas, cowries, and much more.   Shells have captivated humans from the dawn of time: the earliest known artwork was made on a shell. As well as containers for food, shells have been used as tools, jewelry, decorations for dwellings, and to bring good luck or to ward off spirits. Many Indigenous peoples have used shells as currency, and in a few places, they still do. This beautifully illustrated book investigates the fascinating scientific and cultural history of shells. It examines everything from pearls-the only gems of animal origin-to how shells' diverse colors and shapes are formed. And it reveals how shells have inspired artists throughout history, how shells have been used in architecture, and even how shells can be indicators of changing environmental conditions. Also including two essays by shell expert M. G. Harasewych, emeritus curator of gastropods in the Smithsonian's Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Shells is an authoritative exploration of the deep human connection to these molluscan exoskeletons of sea, lake, land, and stream.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Chapter One: The Shell Makers

Chapter Two: Tribal Shell Use

Chapter Three: Shells and Religion

Chapter Four: Picking Up Money On The Beach

Chapter Five: How The Cowrie Got Its Spots

Chapter Six: Iridescent Beauty

Chapter Seven: Shells In The Arts

Chapter Eight: Molluscs and Medicine

Chapter Nine: Shells In A Changing World

References

Select Bibliography

Associations and Websites

Large Collections of Shells

Photo Ackowledgements

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781789147438

1789147433

OCLC:

1393177243