Any brilliant ideas for id of this piece?

[paul monfils]

Hi Cheryl,

Actually this isn't "cut down". It is complete. This is an operculum from a Tapestry Turban shell (scientific name Turbo petholatus). An operculum is a sort of "door" that the snail uses to seal the aperture of its shell once it withdraws inside. These are popularly known as "cateyes". Here is a picture of the shell with the operculum in place:

<a href="http://shell.sinica.edu.tw/images/large/MLSP100401001-2.jpg" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://shell.sinica.edu.tw/images/large/MLSP100401001-2.jpg">http://shell.sinica.edu.tw/images/large ... 1001-2.jpg</a><!-- m --></a>  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2008-07-02 00:45:54 --</span>