What was the Spondylus shell used for?
Andean people used spondylus shell as complete shells in rituals, cut into pieces and used as inlay in jewelry, and ground into powder and used as architectural decoration. Its form was carved into stone and made into pottery effigies; it was worked into body adornments and placed in burials.
Where do Spondylus shells come from?
The shells were harvested from the Aegean Sea, but were transported far into the center of the continent. In the LBK and Lengyel cultures, Spondylus shells from the Aegean Sea were worked into bracelets and belt buckles.
Where to find Spondylus?
The Spondylus genus has about 76 species living worldwide. Spiny Oysters are found attached to rocky reefs at depths between 35 and 300 feet. They range from Cedros Island, Baja California to Ecuador and in the Sea of Cortez from Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.
Are spiny Oysters edible?
Spiny Oysters date to the Mesozoic Era (252 to 66 million years ago) and are a common component of archaeological excavations in South and Central America, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Spiny Oysters are edible and are commercially fished and farmed.
What does spondylus mean?
(Entry 1 of 2) 1 capitalized : a genus of large, thick, inequivalve, usually spinose and attached, bivalve mollusks (family Spondylidae) that are remarkable for perfection of the hinge. 2 plural -es : any mollusk of the family Spondylidae : spiny oyster.
Is spiny oyster rare?
Spiny Oyster Shell ( orange and reddish colors) Although not nearly as rare as the Blood Coral or Rose Coral, divers collect Spiny Oyster by hand, making the work laborious and relatively expensive, with some risks.
Why is spiny oyster so expensive?
Spiny oyster was harvested by free diving down to collect the bivalves. It is still done the same way today, although many divers use air tanks when diving. The way it’s collected often determines its price. The deeper and more dangerous to collect, the more expensive it will be.
Is spiny oyster expensive?
How is spiny oyster turquoise made?
The oyster turquoise is made with real shell from the spiny oyster, which is combined with turquoise to create the beautiful unique patterns. Andean people used spondylus shell as complete shells in rituals, cut into pieces and used as inlay in jewelry, and ground into powder and used as architectural decoration.
Is spiny oyster turquoise?
The Spiny Oyster gemstone is a colorful shell that comes from the oyster species “Spondylus varius”, as the name implies, Spiny Oysters are covered with menacing spines. Spiny Oyster shells are unique, beautiful, and also difficult-to-harvest….Spiny Oyster and Zuni Necklace.
| Weight | 16 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 × 6 × 6 in |
Is purple spiny oyster rare?
The shells of the Spiny Oyster are rare finds and are especially treasured by Native American Indian artists for their beautiful red, pink, brown, yellow, orange, purple, and white colors. This makes purple spiny oyster rarer and often harder to find.
What is spiny oyster good for?
Artists often use Spiny Oyster as a substitute for Blood Coral. The Orange Spiny Oyster occurs in shallow to moderately deep waters, where snorkelers and scuba divers readily harvest them. Purple Spiny Oysters grow in deeper water, making them more difficult to find and harvest.