Dentalium neohexagonum explained
Dentalium neohexagonum is a species of tusk shell, a marine scaphopod mollusk in the family Dentaliidae.[1] As the Latin name implies, the cross section of this shell is hexagonal; hence its common name is six-sided tusk shell.[2]
This species occurs along the central and southern California coast of the Pacific Ocean. The shells of this species are known to have been used by the Chumash people at least as early as circa 1000 AD, in the Morro Bay area.[3] They were used as shell money rather than food.[4]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Turgeon, D.D.. Quinn Jr, J. F. . Bogan, A. E. . Coan, E. V. . Hochberg, F. G. . Lyons, W. G. . Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates from the United States and Canada: Mollusks. 2nd . American Fisheries Society Special Publication 26. 1998. American Fisheries Society . Maryland, USA. 978-1-888569-01-8 . 526. etal.
- Web site: Los Osos Back Bay . C. Michael Hogan . 2008. The Megalithic Portal, ed. Andy Burnham . 4 July 2010.
- Web site: Dentalium neohexagonum . Aug 22, 1998 . 4 July 2010.
- Book: The Natural World of the California Indians. 9780520038967. 1980. Heizer. Robert F.. Elsasser. Albert B..
