DCHP-3

hiaqua shell

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

the shell of a mollusc, Dentalium indianorum, used by the Coast Indians as money and ornaments.

See: hiaqua

Quotations

1862
Instead of the nose jewels being "of tin" they were composed of the Hyaqua shells which [give] the expression of the face a singular appearance.
1867
Both fringe and band were in former times made of Hiagua shells (Dentalium) or of wooden beads made from willows.