Shell snuff-box

Description

This shell dates from the 18th-century. Collecting, creating artwork and decorating small structures with shells was a popular pastime for ladies during the 18th century. Using shells as decoration was a characteristic of the highly decorative Rococo style of architecture. These shells were made into containers to carry snuff tobacco. This snuff box is from a sea snail known as a “Marbled Cone” or “Conus Marmoreus”. It has a venomous sting which it uses to defend itself and to hunt prey, including other molluscs.