There have been a lot of recent finds of very ancient Nassaria shells,
used as beads:
http://www.coconutstudio.com/Oldest%20Shell%20Beads.htm
to this:
http://averyremoteperiodindeed.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-pierced-shells-
from-grotte-des.html
http://tinyurl.com/6do7vn

I think it's possibly because the 'mouth' parts of these shells show
sexual connotations, like cowries (also used very widely for beads).

Can anyone enlighten me?

regards

Richard

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------