34 Shells as evidence of the Migrations. 
excrescence, and behind the votary another tree. From 
this gem it appears that the conch-shell trumpet per- 
formed a ritual function in summoning the divinity.” 
At Palaikastro, and elsewhere, real 7rr/on shells were 
found which had been used for purposes of cult.” 
R. C. Bosanquet points out in his “ Excavations at 
Palaikastro, I.” that “the 77z/on-shell occurs as frequently 
in early deposits in Crete as it does in Mycenaean orna- 
ment—for the so-called /urex on the later pottery is only 
a degradation of the 77zton.”* 
A. J. Evans, in his account of the Knossos Excava- 
tions, 1903,” illustrates a Minoan clay seal impression, on 
which two 7r7ton-shells are represented. He also records 
the discovery of an alabaster vase in the shape of a 7rzton- 
shell." Miniature clay models of the same conch-shell, 
with remains of a little terra-cotta Sanctuary, were also 
found in an early basement on the East side of the 
Palace. 
This Early Minoan rite spread in the Mediterranean 
region, for eighteen unbroken specimens of the same 
shell, Zrrton nodiferus, were found by Don Morelli in 
the Caverna delle Arene Candide, besides two hundred 
broken ones; and as they all had the apex removed it 
can be concluded that they were sounded like trumpets.™ 
Other 7riton shells were found in the Caverna dei Balzi 
Rosso, in the Cave of Galuzzo and the Cave of Pollera.™ 
18 an, Brit. Sch. Athens, viii., (1901-2), pp. 32, So, 244, 296, 
305, 308; ix., (1902-3), pp. 275, 291, 312, and 335; x., (1903-4), pp. 197, 
and 202. 
19 Jbid. viii., (1901-2), p. 296. 
2° Jéid. ix., (1902-3), p. 56, f. 34. 
21 Thid. ix., (1902-3), p- 36. 
32 Jhid. viii., (1QOI-2), p. 32. 
22 N. Morelli, *‘ Resti organici rinvenuti nella Caverna delle Arene 
Candide,” Genova, 1901, p, III. 
24 Mosso, of. c#f., 1910, p. 363. 
