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d'Elaine Johnson {The Art of Myth & Lore}
947 - Shell Carpet
The shell is a universal symbol.
In Christian iconography, it is compared to the womb, birth and creation.
In Benin, cowrie shells were once used as currency and are associated with wealth, royalty and prestige.
Conch shells have been used as ceremonial horns by Mayas, Aztecs and Buddhists.
In Hinduism, the conch shell symbolizes the origin of existence, its shape forming a multiple spiral evolving from one central point.
H. 39 1/4" W. 47 1/2"
O'Connell, Mark, and Airey, Raje. The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols. Anne Publishing Ltd., 2006. p. 183
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