Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Shells +

I've read that shells were once used in some cultures as money. Cowry shells seemed to be the most popular type. 

We haven't found any of them here yet, but I have a small selection of others that I have found and value. I don't think anyone will give me anything for them though. I used shellac to bring out their colors. Take a look. 



I think this is a piece from an Encrusting Tube Worm colony. 


Yeah, I know. Not a shell at all. But I found it on the beach and I like it's shape. I don't know what sort of creature left this behind. I've named it 'Bulldog' because it sort of looks like one.  I'm not crazy. You see it too, don't you?




I love limpets. 


This is a Cook's Turban shell. An edible sea snail. This is a small one. I have one that almost as big as my fist 












I didn't dye this shell. It's the only one I've found that is so yellow. 






This is a turret shell. Found only in NZ






I like how this shell has aged. 



Shells as money? I don't know about you, but these limpets are about as beautiful an item as I can think of. I can easily imagine another time when I might have traded vegetables or venison for them. 
Who needs cowries? These nest inside each other and make a very pleasing jingle-jangle in your pocket, almost like coins do.    -djf


7 comments:

  1. Gotta hand it to you Doug, that is one pretty display of your shells! The yellow scallop (sea fan?) is so unusual and I love the star shapes on the pink sea fans! I picked up a lot turret shells on ONeils Beach just a mere year ago. WOW - a year already and only one more till I get the chance again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, and if you do go down to Wellington, there is a beach right in town...

    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved the variety in the shells. The 2nd individual shell in your pictures looks just like a human spinal vertebrae to me. Maybe that means something psychologically speaking but I do not know what it would mean. That is what I thought of when I saw it. I cherish my shells that you brought to us. I enjoy the shells' beauty in our sunroom and think of all of you. McKenzie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll keep my eyes open for some really nice limpets...

      Delete
    2. Actually, I've been thinking about that bone and wonder if it could be the vertebrae from a seal? It just doesn't look fishy to me. I'll have to do some searching for vertebrae pictures I guess.

      Delete
    3. I have been looking for seal vertebrae all morning and, although I haven't found many, I found one that is very similar. It is from a Phocarctos hookeri. A New Zealand sea lion. Here is the address where I found it in case you're interested. http://otagomuseum.nz/collections/search-the-collection/VT085

      Delete
  4. Fascinating! Beachcombing and rockhounding are so much fun!

    ReplyDelete