Shells
eBook - ePub

Shells

A Natural and Cultural History

  1. 176 pages
  2. English
  3. ePUB (mobile friendly)
  4. Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub

Shells

A Natural and Cultural History

About this book

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.

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Yes, you can access Shells by Fabio Moretzsohn in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Biological Sciences & Marine Biology. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.

Table of contents

  1. Front Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Contents
  6. Chapter One The Shell Makers
  7. Chapter Two Tribal Shell Use
  8. Chapter Three Shells and Religion
  9. Chapter Four Picking up Money On The Beach
  10. Chapter Five How The Cowrie Got its Spots
  11. Chapter Six Iridescent Beauty
  12. Chapter Seven Shells in the Arts
  13. Chapter Eight Molluscs and Medicine By M. G. Harasewych
  14. Chapter Nine Shells in a Changing World By M. G. Harasewych
  15. References
  16. Select Bibliography
  17. Associations and Websites
  18. Large Collections of Shells
  19. Photo Ackowledgements
  20. Index