Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Conch Shell (Cauchie) |
Object ID |
2009.5.16R |
Collection |
CRAFT & TECHNOLOGY |
Object Name |
Conch Shell |
Material |
Shell |
Dimensions |
H-12.8 W-17.5 L-21.3 cm |
Description |
Conch shells can be used as wind instruments. They are prepared by cutting a hole in the spire of the shell near the apex, and then blowing into the shell as if it were a trumpet, as in blowing horn. Sometimes a mouthpiece is used, but some shell trumpets are blown without one. Various species of large marine gastropod shells can be turned into "blowing shells", but some of the best-known species used are the sacred chank or shankha Turbinella pyrum, the Triton's trumpet Charonia tritonis, and the queen conch Strombus gigas. This conch shell is on display in the Montego Bay to the World Exhibition at National Museum West in Montego Bay, St. James. |
Credit line |
Courtesy: The Institute of Jamaica |
Legal Status |
This image can be used for educational purposes without restrictions. A higher quality image may att |
Provenance |
Jamaica |
Place of Origin |
Jamaica |
Web Rights |
In Copyrights |