{"id":51965,"date":"2020-09-17T11:58:57","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T09:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/glimpse-into-the-secret-life-of-shells-20200916-2\/"},"modified":"2025-03-13T17:33:53","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T15:33:53","slug":"glimpse-into-the-secret-life-of-shells-20200916-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/glimpse-into-the-secret-life-of-shells-20200916-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Glimpse into the secret life of shells"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tun shells live from the shallows to abyssal depths burried in mud or sand and feeds from sea cucumbers by paralysing them with a salivary secretion containing sulphuric acid. <\/div>\n
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SHELL, shells and more shells.<\/p>\n

One of the largest of its kind in South Africa, the Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum showcases more than 600 species of shells and fossils from around the world \u2013 attracting shell-lovers from all over.<\/p>\n

The specimens are part of the collection of local resident, Charlotte Kritzinger, who dedicated many years to collecting shells. Adding to the collection, is a donation of shells weighing almost 40kg by Bayworld\u2019s Port Elizabeth Museum \u2013 expanding the aesthetic, educational and interest value for local residents, learners and tourists to the museum.<\/p>\n

Add to this a unique collection of 80 Jeffreys Bay micro shells, donated by Philip Steenkamp and Tana Kruger in December 2019. Some 80 more will be added to the display in the near future.<\/p>\n

Each of the displayed specimens is accompanied by information in English and Afrikaans about its family, habitat and feeding habit.<\/p>\n

Another highlight of the museum, which is not a seashell, is a rare pearl found on the coast of Jeffreys Bay.<\/p>\n

She sells sea shells<\/strong> <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are spectacularly large amounts of shells here,\u201d says Petro Meyer, the Treasurer of the Humansdorp Museum Association (HMA), under which the shell museum falls. \u201cThere is the legendary cowrie, the rare paper nautilus, tiny baby jam tarts, a new species of cone and the rare volute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nestled in their glass box the cowries remind me of a child\u2019s marble collection. Each oblong shell has the same basic shape: a rounded, impossibly smooth top and a flat bottom with a slit-like opening in the centre. The smallest is no bigger than my thumbnail, with brown speckles dotting its slick surface. <\/p>\n

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To collectors, cone shells provide endless pleasure as there are many interesting geographical variants. <\/div>\n
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The strange, but true, story of an eternal marriage plays off inside this sponge with small shrimp skeletons inside. Photo: MONIQUE BASSON<\/div>\n
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The largest is as big as my palm. It has a lovely orange hue edged with fine purple teeth. They are spectacular, like nature\u2019s gems.<\/p>\n

Meyer points to a small, spike-covered white shell that I had just learned is a bivalve \u2013 two halves hinged with a strong, flexible ligament.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here is the venus flower basket sponge, also known as the eternal marriage,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the sponge starts to grow, shrimp larvae are sucked inside where they grow and eventually kill each other until only one male and one female is left. When they breed, their larvae can escape, while they are trapped for life \u2013 a symbol of eternal marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n

And this beautiful shell?<\/p>\n

Meyer smiles, \u201cIt is a pansy shell \u2013 the birth and death of Jesus can be found in this lovely shell.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you look closely, you can see four nail holes and a fifth one made by a Roman spear. On one side is the Easter lily; its centre is the star that appeared to the shepherds, while the Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side reminds us of His birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also to be found at the museum are urchins, violet shells, guinea fowls, tulips, elephant tusks, wine tendrils, owls and scallops.<\/p>\n

Not to forget about the plough shells coral, sea stars, sea horses and cuttlebones.<\/p>\n

There is more<\/strong> <\/p>\n

The museum also houses some other interesting artifacts: information about the local fishermen and history of the town, as well as KhoiSan artifacts (bow and arrow, fire sticks, spear, ostrich shell beads, apron made from animal skin, quiver and a loincloth made out of 3 000 ostrich eggshell beads).<\/p>\n

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One of the largest of its kind in South Africa, the Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum showcases more than 600 species of shells and fossils from around the world. The driving force behind the museum are (from left) Petro Meyer, shell expert, Philip Steenkamp and Tana Kruger. Photos:MONIQUE BASSON<\/div>\n
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It furthermore boasts artifacts from shipwrecks in the area: oriental porcelain shards, candles salvaged from the Lyngenfjord in 1938, a book with signatures of the crew members of the Lyngenfjord, a deer horn from the Queen of the West, marlin spikes and rope.<\/p>\n

Visitors can also learn more about whales, sharks, turtles and the white gold of the sea. <\/p>\n

Meyer says, \u201cWe are excited to welcome visitors in for an experience unlike ever before at the museum. People of all ages will be surprised, delighted and inspired by the more than 600 different species of shells \u2013 including diverse species not found near Jeffreys Bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

More information<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Local shells and shell craft can be purchased at the museum.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact Meyer at 082 852 4056. <\/p>\n

Alternatively, send an email to petro.meyer@telkomsa.net or visit http:\/\/hdorpmuseum.blogspot.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

)<\/span> Established<\/span><\/strong> :<\/span> The Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum was opened on September 15, 1998<\/p>\n

)<\/span> Where:<\/span><\/strong> The Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum is situated on the corner of Diaz Road and Drommedaris Street.<\/p>\n

)<\/span> When:<\/span><\/strong> Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.<\/p>\n