3D model of a crown conch shell (NHMW-ZOO-MO-0081100-ETH-109)

<p>3D model of a crown conch shell cameo, that is part of the Uetz collection.&nbsp;This cameo on the shell of a crown conch (<i>Volegalea </i>sp.) depicts an elephant and birds.&nbsp;A cameo is a relief-like illustration in which the motif stands out from the background. Often, as is the case with this shell, this is achieved by etching with acid. All uncovered areas are eroded by acid.&nbsp;Crown conchs are mainly found in the Indo-Pacific and can reach a considerable size. This specimen is only about 10 cm in size and was purchased in India.</p><p>Karl Uetz (1914–1998) was a private collector and owner of a large mollusc collection. In addition to thousands of snail and mussel shells, the collection also contains approximately 200 art and everyday objects as well as ethnographic objects. The collection was purchased by the NHM in 1974 and digitised in 2025.</p>