Tiger Cowrie Cypraea Tigris Seashell 3" Florida - Beach Decor - Vintage Shell

Description

This is a gorgeous, vintage Tiger Cowrie seashell, latin name
Cypraea tigris
from the Cypraeidae family.  It was inherited over 35 years ago from an avid Florida shell hunter.  The tiger shell has vivid coloration with  large deep brown spots on a cream backdrop.  I know little about seashells, but this is smooth, so I assume it was polished.  It is in wonderful condition, free of breaks or cracks.  It is about 3" in length and 2" in width.  The Cowrie would make a wonderful addition to any shell collection or accent for aquarium, beach, or nautical decor.
Cool facts:  Despite not being found in the Mediterranean, Tiger Cowries were unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii.  Pliny the Elder, a Vesuvius victim, wrote about seashells in his book.  To Japanese women, the shell is thought to aid childbirth.    In Europe, because if the shell's egg shape, it was used to stretch socks for mending.