~ Ancient Native Works ~ Lightning Whelk Shell ~ Tampa Bay ~ No 2

Length: 12"

Grade: 7

Description: For 1000's of years Tampa Bay was intensely occupied by native cultures, drawn by abundant resources providing food and raw materials to sustain them. Among these resources was shells. The mollusks within were a food source first, but afterwards the shells were utlized and worked into tools and ornaments.

This is an example of a large Lightning Whelk that was in the process of manufacturing a tool or an ornament. You can plainly see the squared smooth cut marks where the shell was first cut and breeched. What the native made from the pieces removed we can only guess. Possibly ornaments such as a pendant or gorget. Unlike most finished products produced in shell this item tells the story of HOW these products were made.

Provenance: Found on private property with permission. Hillsborugh Co. Florida. Near Terra Ceia Island, Tampa Bay.