Overview

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.

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9781789147131

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"""Moretzsohn has crafted a laudable volume on shells and the animals that make them, the mollusks. There is a wealth of data on intriguing aspects of the biology and ecology of mollusks, and detailed yet little-known information on cultural practices involving shells. This book is a must-have in the library of any shell enthusiast!""--José H. Leal, PhD, science director and curator, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum ""Spanning both the history of science and visual culture, this book takes a broad approach to understanding humanity's fascination with shells: from their use in architecture and jewellery, and their ritual or practical uses as tools and tokens, to the ways they have inspired artists across time.""-- ""Apollo"" ""A well-researched and beautifully illustrated introduction to mollusks and their shells. The book takes the reader through the diverse interactions that we humans have with this amazing group of animals. With its broad span of biological, cultural, medicinal, and environmental topics, it is timely and of great general interest."" --Rüdiger Bieler, curator of invertebrates, Field Museum of Natural History"

Author Information

Fabio Moretzsohn was visiting assistant professor in the Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is coauthor of Encyclopedia of Texas Seashells and, with M. G. Harasewych, The Book of Shells.

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