Dear CONCH-Lers,
arising from the discussion of snails and the church, I would have a
question for the experts. At home in Central Europe, the Czech Republic in
particular, I conducted research in an old jewish cemetery.  To my great
surprise I found 2 examples of the marine shell Umbonium giganteum
(TROCHIDAE) at the eastern side of the cemetery.  These specimens measured
12.75 x 21.65 mm and 13.35 x 21.1 mm, and were ground down to their nacreous
base.  Is this a coincidental, unimportant find, or does it have perhaps
any significance in a church ritual (jewish)?

Concerning the "church" theme, I would like to draw attention to
http://lrk.host.sk (refer to Pictures), where I have an interesting photo of
HELICIDAE from the cathedral in the German town of Nuremberg.  The idea
behind this sculpture and the use of such snails is equally unclear to me.
Can anyone comment or state their opinion on the above ?

Thanks,
Lubosh R. Kolouch


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ezequiel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2007 1:50 PM
Subject: Snails used in liturgy?


> Hi all!
>
>  I have read Franco Fabbro interesting work about how snails may have been
> used in liturgy during the early christian period. I tried to contact
> Mr. Fabbro but his mail
> address doesn't work.
>
> See: http:www.freedomdomain.com/religion/fabbro.htm
>
> At the moment I am studing a collection of mollusks found in
> an Early Christian basilica in Northern Greece. Among the land snails
> the most numerous are helix sp. 52%. Most of the shells were found in
> a room inside the
> basilica which has been interpreted as being a workshop.
>
> Does anyone think it is plausible to say that these snails could have been
> used
> in liturgy? Has anyone of you come upon this subject or have any ideas?
> I'm just wondering if the idea is not too far fetched.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Ezequiel M. Pinto-Guillaume

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