The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 19, 2025
Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel
200 BCE–300 CE
Overall: 15.5 x 23.5 x 26.6 cm (6 1/8 x 9 1/4 x 10 1/2 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade III 1966.127
Location: 233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
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.- Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; September 10- October 16, 1966. "Golden Anniversary Acquisitions." cat., The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art. LIII (September, 1966.) p. 277 listed no. 18, repr. p. 276.
- {{cite web|title=Conch Shell Trumpet Vessel|url=false|author=|year=200 BCE–300 CE|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1966.127