Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans Second annual report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, pages 179-306

"Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans" by William Henry Holmes is a historical exploration of the artistic achievements of early American societies through their skillful use of shells. The book shows how shells were used as artistic mediums, revealing details about the cultural practices and progress of ancient people. Holmes corrects a historical oversight by focusing on the uses of shells, an area often underappreciated compared to studies of stone and pottery. The book begins by placing shell art within its historical and cultural context, particularly among tribes from areas that were previously home to mound-building civilizations, illustrating shell's importance as both practical tools and decorative items. It shows the role shells served as cultural and commercial markers for civilizations in those times, setting the stage for readers to understand and value their aesthetic and functional importance in ancient American life.