Description
Book SynopsisShells 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, jewellery and 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 looks at the scientific and cultural history of shells, showing how their diverse colourful forms take shape. It examines pearls, the only gems of animal origin, as well as how shells have inspired artists throughout history. The book looks at shells used in architecture and ritual, but also how shells are indicators of changing environmental conditions.
Table of ContentsCHAPTER 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 BLBLIOGRAPHY ASSOCIATIONS AND WEBSITES LARGE COLLECTIONS OF SHELLS PHOTO ACKOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX
