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

This oyster shell, dating back to before 1613, is a fascinating artifact recovered from the wreck of the Dutch East India ship Witte Leeuw. Now housed in the Rijksmuseum, the shell provides a tangible link to the history of Dutch maritime trade and exploration. Its pink and white hues, textured surface, and unique shape evoke the beauty and wonder of the natural world, reminding us of the vastness of the oceans that once carried these ships on their voyages.