Conus ammiralis shell from the wreck of the Dutch East India ship Witte Leeuw before 1613

This Conus ammiralis shell, dating back to before 1613, is a fascinating artifact from the shipwreck of the Dutch East India Company vessel Witte Leeuw. Found in the Rijksmuseum, the shell showcases the diverse cargo carried by these ships during the Dutch Golden Age. The shell's intricate spiral pattern and smooth, off-white surface evoke the beauty of the natural world and the trade routes traversed by these vessels. The shell's presence as part of the shipwreck cargo reflects the cultural exchange and economic activity of the period, linking the Netherlands to distant corners of the globe.