Description

Book Synopsis
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, 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 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 BLBLIOGRAPHY ASSOCIATIONS AND WEBSITES LARGE COLLECTIONS OF SHELLS PHOTO ACKOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

Shells: A Natural and Cultural History

    Product form

    A Hardback by Fabio Moretzsohn, Jerry Harasewych

    £18.00

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 25 Aug 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Reaktion Books
      Published 1 July 2023
      ISBN-13 9781789147131
      978-1789147131
      ISBN-10 1789147131
      Also in:
      Art & Photography Nature in the arts Natural History Nature and the natural world: general interest Science & Nature Molluscs (malacology)

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      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, 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 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 BLBLIOGRAPHY ASSOCIATIONS AND WEBSITES LARGE COLLECTIONS OF SHELLS PHOTO ACKOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

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