In Ancient America, the Conch shell came to
symbolize rank and nobility. These natural
wonders were prized for their beauty and rarity;
blown as ceremonial trumpets to signal the
approach of royalty. Frequently, Conch shells
were buried with kings as a token of their earthly
powers. What is most remarkable about this
Ancient Mexican example is that it is manmade,
an exacting replica of the sea creature. Its
graceful lines make us appreciate the remarkable
structure of the original. If we listen carefully,
we can almost hear the melancholy notes it
played long ago.
- (PF.1986)
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