"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
Maker
Unknown American
CultureAmerican
Titles
- "Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
Datec. 1850–1900
PlaceUnited States
MediumShell
Dimensions4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Alice Pratt Brown
Object numberB.73.2.1
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Belter Parlor
Exposé
Explore Further
Department
Bayou BendObject Type
ProvenanceAlice Nelson Pratt Brown (1902–1984), Houston; given to MFAH, 1973.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Unknown American
c. 1850–1900
Shell
B.73.2.2
Samuel Gassman
2023
Tiara: Iron, platinum, enamel on copper, 19th century neoclassical helmet shell cameos, pink conch shell cameo, 19th century malachite cameo, 19th century hard stone cameo, shell, ebony, rose quartz, citrine, opal, garnet, sea glass, aquamarine, amethyst, gold, natural pearls, tigers eye, 19th century cut steel, silk, cotton velvet, and silk floss
Box: Archival foam core, Magic Smooth resin, cotton gauze, silk, cotton velvet, silver, metallic bullion ribbon, paper, cotton damask c. 1900, silk damask c. 1850, 18th century linen, cotton thread, and silk floss
2024.284.A,.B
Unknown Central and South American
100 BC–700 AD
Spondylus shell, purple mussel, resin, cotton cord
2010.979
Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat
1840–1860
Glass and ceramic
97.1569
Unknown Central and South American
100 BC–700 AD
Sodalite, turquoise, spondylus shell, greenstone, shell, resin, cotton cord
2010.990.1,.2
Unknown
c. late 18th - early 19th century
Leather, porcupine quills, glass beads, silk, and sinew
2025.767.A,.B
