Pearl Shell, Pinctada margaritifera
Production date
Pre 1790
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Pearl shell, Pinctada margaritifera. No modifications.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Maritime Archaeology
Pinctada margaritifera
Pinctada margaritifera
Production date
Pre 1790
Measurements
L 160 mm
Media/Materials description
Shell
History and use
This pearl shell was recovered from HMS Pandora, a naval vessel sent from England in 1790 in pursuit of the HMS Bounty and its mutineers. Following navigation in the South Pacific, Pandora wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef in 1791 on its return voyage.
The Pandora shipwreck was discovered in 1977, and Queensland Museum conducted archaeological expeditions between 1983 and 1999 recovering many artefacts.
The shell was probably collected as a natural history specimen since Pandora's crew are known to have engaged in 'curiosity' collecting in the South Pacific.
The Pandora shipwreck was discovered in 1977, and Queensland Museum conducted archaeological expeditions between 1983 and 1999 recovering many artefacts.
The shell was probably collected as a natural history specimen since Pandora's crew are known to have engaged in 'curiosity' collecting in the South Pacific.
Registration number
MA7953
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