- ホーム
- > 洋書
- > 英文書
- > Nature / Ecology
Full Description
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.
Also including two essays by shell expert M. G. Harasewych, emeritus curator of gastropods in the Smithsonian's Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Shells is an authoritative exploration of the deep human connection to these molluscan exoskeletons of sea, lake, land, and stream.
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
