Difference between revisions of "Cowrie shell"
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| − | [[File:Image3_802449.jpg|thumb| | + | [[File:Image3_802449.jpg|thumb|Cowri belt<br>MFA# 50.4077]] |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | + | [[File:17.2179-SC14462.jpg|thumb|Lyre with shell decorations<br>MFA# 17.2179]] | |
A smooth egg-shaped mollusk shell obtained of several marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia (class Gastropoda). Cowrie shells are often shiny and brightly colored with speckles. The first whorl in the shell is inrolled and may be fine-toothed. Cowries occur in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have been used for ornaments, in necklaces, and as money. | A smooth egg-shaped mollusk shell obtained of several marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia (class Gastropoda). Cowrie shells are often shiny and brightly colored with speckles. The first whorl in the shell is inrolled and may be fine-toothed. Cowries occur in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have been used for ornaments, in necklaces, and as money. | ||
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File:Cowrie.part.mantle.NOAA.jpg|Cowrie ''Cypraea chinensis'' | File:Cowrie.part.mantle.NOAA.jpg|Cowrie ''Cypraea chinensis'' | ||
File:Cowrie.mantle.NOAA.jpg|Cowrie ''Cypraea chinensis'' | File:Cowrie.mantle.NOAA.jpg|Cowrie ''Cypraea chinensis'' | ||
Latest revision as of 15:04, 6 July 2022
Description
A smooth egg-shaped mollusk shell obtained of several marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia (class Gastropoda). Cowrie shells are often shiny and brightly colored with speckles. The first whorl in the shell is inrolled and may be fine-toothed. Cowries occur in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have been used for ornaments, in necklaces, and as money.
Synonyms and Related Terms
porcelaine (Fr.); cypreé (Fr.)
Additional Images
Cowrie Cypraea chinensis
Cowrie Cypraea chinensis
