Giant melo shell on large brass stand
PU255-1
It is not only a giant sea shell, but this Melo Broderipii is a respectable old specimen, more than 15 years old, that has been dressed up with a brass pattern on the lip. It's a large predatory sea snail mostly found in seas around the Philippines. Many tribes in New Guinea and other pacific islands used the various types of Melo to make jewelry, including pectorals (large necklace) and shell money. They are even used as canoe bailers! as they have the perfect shape to remove the water from a boat.
