Pearl Oyster Shell

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265"504. Pearl shell - "Pinjtjang-batu"A common, large pearl shell on which various medicines are prepared and portioned. By coming into contact with this shell the medicines will be freed from the evil spirits which try to weaken their effects. The first solid food that the baby should eat is also prepared in this shell for the same reason."Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 123). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller