Cowrie shell with back removed, tied to a similar shell [1971.15.1307 .2]. [EC 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 1/3/2006]

Collection type: Object
Description: Cowrie shell with back removed, tied to a similar shell [1971.15.1307 .2]. [EC 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 1/3/2006]
Long description: Cowrie shell with back removed, tied to a similar shell [1971.15.1307 .2]. The cowrie shell numbered 1971.15.1307 .2 is slightly larger and on its reverse side [opposite side to the 'jaw'] a hole can be seen. This hole is located at the larger end of what was the inner coil of the shell. Both shells are tinged with an ochre-hue and on the 'jaw' side of the shells - that is the natural opening of the shells - there are 'teeth' which appear whiter for being raised above this ochre surface. On the smaller shell these 'teeth' are less distinct. The shells are held together by a length of greyish thread which has been passed through the open backs of the shells and their natural 'jaws' and knotted. [LKG 08/07/2009]
Geographical reference: Sudan, Republic of
Africa > Northern Africa > Sudan, Republic of; Eastern Sudan Sennar District north of Wad Hasim
Person: Field collector Anthony John Arkell; PRM source Anthony John Arkell
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1948
Date collected: By 1948
Acquisition information: Donated: 26/10/1971
Materials and processes: Material Bead, Material Cowrie Shell, Process Perforated, Process Carved
Dimensions: Length: max 26 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1971.15.1307.1
Research and responses: The two shells in this set are numbered 1971.15.1307 .1 - 2. [MO'B 18/6/2001]

Search terms: Ornament, Bead, Trade, Death, Religion, Animalia, Specimen, Grave Good, Shell