As I know, only some strombus ars used in religious ceremonies in
Caribbean area, such as santeria or vodoo, they usually collect little
strombus such as alatus/ pugilis.

On the other hand, there are no strombus living in the indo pacific area
wich due to their reduced size can be used for any ceremony. I agree
with Andrew´s opinion, because the only news I have about using shells
in India is in Brahmanic religion and it´s the Turbinella pyrum,
specially the sinistral specimens wich are considered in popular
traditions as a symbol of Vishnu, these "Chanks "are sougth after for
that reason. The Laxmi shell may be the same specias as T. pyrum.

Some of these turbinellas are exported from India to Europe covered by
brass and ornamented with some gems.


Well I hope it helps

Ignacio L Sanchez
Madrid
GIS analyst
Coll.Ebenus
mailto:[log in to unmask]


-----Mensaje original-----
De: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] En
nombre de Andrew Grebneff Enviado el: martes, 06 de julio de 2004 11:19
Para: [log in to unmask]
Asunto: Re: Better question about conch shells


>I am looking for all the names both common and in Latin of all the
>different conch shells which I believe may be in the family or group
>called “Strombus” they use such shells in India for religious
>ceremonies, such as the laxmi conch.
>
>Thanks,
>
>--Rory

I think you will find that last to be not a conch at all, but Turbinella
pyrum, the chank. Pronounced "kank".

Strombus strictly speaking has only a few species; many of the so-called
subgenera deserve generic rank.
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<[log in to unmask]>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------