Salut, ST1 (US156)
Muscat, Office of the Adviser to HM the Sultan for Cultural Affairs
Shell; H 10
Bronze Age: 2400-2000 BC
 
This large, complete 'Tonna luteostoma' shell was found in one of the massive deposits which backfilled the main ditch at ST1, towards the end of the Early Bronze Age occupation at the site. Together with a few other marine products, it witnesses contacts with coastal communities during the 3rd millennium BC. While other shells were often worked to obtain pendants and beads (and fishing tools, only found along the coast), this large shell was probably chosen just for its nice appearance, and kept as an exotic “souvenir”. (MdE)