Artwork Page for Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel

Details / Information for Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel

Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel

200 BCE–300 CE
Measurements
Overall: 15.5 x 23.5 x 26.6 cm (6 1/8 x 9 1/4 x 10 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Description

Conch shell trumpets were used during many kinds of important events throughout the ancient Americas. The shells were converted to trumpets by removing the tip to form a mouthpiece, as this ancient ceramic replica of a trumpet shows. Holes were often drilled in the shell for a carrying cord.
A mottled reddish-brown earthenware vessel lies horizontally, modeled in a shell-like shape. Dark gray spots pepper the surface. At the left, a cylindrical spout projects upward. Thick, pointed spikes and a tight spiral coil jut from the body. To the right, the shell fans out into a flattened section, pierced by a small circular hole near the outer edge.

Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel

200 BCE–300 CE

West Mexico, Colima, Comala style

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork