Those commonly used were the two species of haliotis, Mussels, a Turbo, and Oyster: several of the smaller bivalves and univalves were, however, occasionally used, but it does not appear that the aborigines of Tasmania ever eat the Unio, so far as can now be traced; in this instance exhibiting a remarkable difference from those of New Holland, with whom the Unio forms an important article of diet.
"The History of Tasmania, Volume I (of 2)"
John West
There were also strings of the pieces of haliotis from the Gulf of California, so valued by the Indians on this side of the Rocky Mountains.
"A further contribution to the study of the mortuary customs of the North American Indians First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 87-204"
H. C. Yarrow
Strings of haliotis and pachydesma shell beads encircled their necks, and around their waists were belts heavily loaded with the same material.
"A further contribution to the study of the mortuary customs of the North American Indians First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 87-204"
H. C. Yarrow