POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Placuna placenta (Windowpane oyster) shell from Singapore collected by Julian Tennison-Woods

Object No. E660

Shell, Placuna placenta (Windowshell oyster), collected by Julian Tenison-Woods, Singapore, acquired 1891

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Summary

Physical Description

Shell, 'Window shell' (Placuna placenta), Singapore, from the collection of Julian Tenison-Woods, acquired 1891 An early Museum label states that, "These shells are used in China and elsewhere as a substitute for window glass. They are also collected for the small pearls they contain, which are exported to India and calcined for lime to chew with Betel Nut. They are also burnt in the mouths of the dead. The natives of North Queensland used them largely for food."

DIMENSIONS

Height

16 mm

Width

114 mm

Depth

128 mm

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased from the Estate of the Rev Julian Tenison-Woods, 1891

Acquisition Date

8 October 1891

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