I wouldn't charge this nice man for the shells--the one he saw in my trunk
is the big one I use to let the school children listen to.  But I have some
more--hope I can find two.  Do you know the reason for wanting two?  (Maybe
he has a friend that wants one too.)  Or is the sacredness tied to two
shells?  He was almost in a trance holding the shell, turning it-- and in
absolute awe.  It was a little spooky to see someone make over a shell that
we can get so easily.  Thanks for your constructive answer.  Wish everyone
on here was as cooperative.
 
Carol
-----Original Message-----
From: midgard <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, April 22, 1999 9:53 PM
Subject: Re: Sacred Indian shells?
 
 
>Dear Carol.
>        The Indian chank is, like most shells, VERY occasionally
left-handed,
>and as such, it is portrayed as the shell in one of the hands of Shiva.
>Because of their sacredness and natural rarity, these are extremely
>expensive. The adult, white, female Busycon contraria is
>a very close substitute for the "Sacred Chank", and can therefore bring
>a fairly high price in Hindu communities.
>
>        Mariah
>--
>Mark and Mariah Lawson
>[log in to unmask]
>http://user.icx.net/~midgard/frntdoor/frntdoor.htm
>ICQ UIN 2128207 (Nick: Vigbrand)
>"Universe is not required to maintain a straight face!"
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