I've cleaned quite a few cowries, large and small, using freezing.
The cowrie should not contain excessive water.
Wrap in paper toweling, refrigerate a few days.
Rewrap in paper toweling and freeze in a plastic bag (several can go in the
same bag).
Return to refrigeration for a few days.
Bring to room temperature.
Jet with a hose/pistol-type nozzle/reducer (of appropriate diameter)
combination. The small ones jet right out with no diminishment of quality
even after being frozen for years. The large ones require a combination of
jetting (no reducer), grasping and pulling with paper toweling (traction),
and sometimes jarring (to break columellar attachments). Details on request,
privately or via the list.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alwyn P Marais" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 10:32 AM
Subject: Cleaning Question


> > Hi
> >
> > There has been some discussion on cleaning shells and I have looked at
the
> > references given but I'm still looking for a good way of cleaning
cypraea.
> > They tend to be hard work and there must be a better way of cleaning out
> > the animal. Have any of you tried protein dissolving enzymes?
> >
> > Look forward hearing from you.
> >
> > Alwyn Marais
> > South Africa
> >
> >