Echoing the graceful forms of the sea shell, this
man-made object gives us a new appreciation
for nature's engineering skills. Throughtout
Ancient America, the Conch shell was prized for
its rarity and beauty. Blown as a trumpet, it
heralded the approach of royalty, and thus the
Conch came to symbolize power and rank. The
person in whose tomb this remarkable effigy was
buried was no doubt someone of high stature.
Perhaps the trumpet was blown as a mark of
respect during their funeral procession. If we
listen carefully, we can almost hear the
melancholy notes drifting through the sunset.
- (PF.1987)
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