Unknown American
"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)

"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)

Public Domain

"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
Maker
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • "Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
Datec. 1850–1900
PlaceUnited States
MediumShell
Dimensions4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Alice Pratt Brown
Object numberB.73.2.2
Not on view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThe "Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) is native to the Philippine Islands and other central South Pacific areas. The different colored layers of calcium carbonate into which the cameo has been carved make the cameo appear that it has been painted or colored.
ProvenanceAlice Nelson Pratt Brown (1902–1984), Houston; given to MFAH, 1973.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
Unknown American
"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)
c. 1850–1900
Shell
B.73.2.1
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