H4.140

• north american indian

From the History Information Station: "Object: Mussel shell used as a spoon by the Pomo in the late 19th or early 20th century.History: California mussels (Mytilus californianus) were gathered by residents of the coast both for their own use and for trade with interior tribes. People of the interior tribes often traveled to the coast to gather shellfish as well. Mussels were gathered for food, and their shells were used in the manufacture of a number of useful items including fish hooks, adze blades, and spoons such as this one."

Used: woman ~ food service