Quahog shells The quahog shell used to produce purple wampum and other shell pendants is exclusively the species with the Latin name mercenaria mercenaria. Feb 26, 2025 · The purplish shells of quahogs, treasured in the past by Native Americans, now appear alongside gold, mother-of-pearl and onyx. We use a special cleaning process to ensure each shell is completely cleaned and free of any residual m Conanicut Island is home of the quahog. Native Americans prepared clams in a variety of ways. If a shell is already open and does not close after tapping, it should be discarded. I attempted to show both the traditional process and the modern (much faster) process to create wampum. In 1758, Linneaus gave the quahog is the scientific name, which includes the word merceanaria, because he knew that beads of quahog shell were used for currency in the 17th century New England — and that “mercenary,” the latin word for money, seemed appropriate. Wampum is the shell of northern Quahog (pronounced: coe-hog); a clam found in the Atlantic coast’s shallow bays and sandy bottoms from Nova Scotia to Florida. The quahog can open its shells to look for food and close the shells completely if it is feeling threatened. May 14, 2025 · Quahogs, known elsewhere as hard-shell clams, are a key part of Rhode Island's culture and economy. 1498 or 1499–2006), also known as Hafrún, was an ocean quahog clam (Arctica islandica, family Arcticidae) that was dredged off the coast of Iceland in 2006 and whose age was calculated by counting annual growth lines in the shell. Jul 12, 2025 · What is Quahog? Quahogs are marine clams with thick, robust shells characterized by a rounded oval shape. Much like a fingerprint, each one of our pieces is one of a kind, having it's own unique, recognizable pattern. Narragansett Bay wild quahogs in their juice. The shell is thick and oval-shaped, with a smooth surface often dark brown or black on the outside and white on the inside. Abalone & Quahog Shells 5520 General Description: Used by many people as natural containers for smudging with sage and other herbals. Check out our quahog shell selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our craft supplies & tools shops. Check out our quahog clam shells for crafts selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our embellishments shops. Shop now for fast shipping and easy returns! Abalone & Quahog Shells 5520 General Description: Used by many people as natural containers for smudging with sage and other herbals. With their purple and white colors, these shells are sometimes called wampum. Sourced directly from the clam that makes our famous stuffed clams, these shells are now available for all your creative needs. For more information on the Northern Quahog see: R. Mar 19, 2024 · What actually is a quahog? First off, the northern quahog is the same thing as a hard-shell clam – a bivalve mollusk found in coastal waters from Nova Scotia to Florida. Sep 4, 2023 · Discover the mouthwatering world of the Quahog clam, a delectable treasure from the sea. Mar 21, 2019 · Today, the tradition of carving quahog shells into beautiful pieces of art and jewelry is still alive and well in the Wampanoag community. Lawrence. The name, “quahog” is a variation of “poquauhock,” (po-qua-hock) the Native American name for clam. It is an important commercial shellfish species in its native range and has been widely Quahog shells are best known for their bluish shading. Check out our quahog shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our mosaic making shops. Most quahogs in U. Quahog clams eat tiny plants called phytoplankton that float in the water. Check out our purple quahog wampum shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our beads shops. Jan 7, 2025 · The ocean quahog is a bivalve mollusk, meaning it has two hard shells connected by a hinge. A 1 inch thick to 2 1/2 inch long quahog is known as a Little Neck, a 2 1/2 to 3 inch quahog is a Aug 12, 2024 · The Southern Quahog, known scientifically as Mercenaria campechiensis, is a notable bivalve that thrives in the warm waters of the southeastern United States, from New Jersey to Cuba. Articles › No live shelling: Be sure shells are empty and sand dollars, sea stars, and sea urchins are no longer alive before you bring them home. eastern seashore. Southern Quahog can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a large bivalve (up to 150 mm) which can be found in sandy to muddy habitats from the mid-intertidal to about 18 m depth. A quahog eats by pumping water through its body. Tucker Abbott and Percy A. The mantle is connected to the shell by pallial muscles, which are a short distance from the edge of the shell. Common Hard-shell Clam, Littleneck Clam, Cherrystone Clam, Topneck Clam, Chowder Clam Description Quahog Clams are more commonly known by other names based upon their size. Adult quahogs typically range in size from two to four inches in diameter, but some can grow even larger. In this video, I make a free-formed cabochon, but the Genuine Quahog Half-Shell- Most often associated with Rhode Island, the quahog bi-valve clam is used for food as well as to make jewelry. The Northern quahog (pronounced coe-hog) is a species of hard-shelled clam. The dark periostracum is flaking off this dried valve of A. Our stuffed quahogs are a culinary masterpiece, handcrafted in-house using Tony’s Seafood’s original recipe. The white and purple layers of the shell create most beautiful patterns. The quahog's anatomy includes a muscular foot, which assists it when burrowing, and set of long siphons used for respiration, waste elimination, and food gathering. Bay scallop shells are native to the area and they come in all sizes. Likewise, you can recognize them by their round shape, faint shell rings, and muted Figure 1. The Quahog shell has a thicker shell. Growth increments in the shell of the bivalve Arctica islandica form annual rings, also known as growth lines — similar to those in trees — which scientists use to determine 9. Quahog shells are commonly used in cooking as natural serving vessels. S. Once designed, the Quahog shells are tumbled for 3 weeks & lightly buffed to bring out the nature purple in the shell. A strong muscle controls their hinged shells, which open and close at will. This jewelry is made from the quahog clam shell, found along the U. We proudly offer a full line of wampum craft supplies, including Wampum Beads, Tubes, Hairpipe, Buttons, and Pendants, all handcrafted from genuine Quahog shell. There is a species of quahog clam that lives in the Atlantic but the one that was mainly collected for wampums and eaten by Native Americans are the type found along the grassy waters of the sound. Sep 17, 2024 · Quahog is a shortening of poquauhock, which is what the Narragansett tribe calls the valuable mollusk. Jun 10, 2024 · A quahog can get quite old; each line on its shell is a growth ring. But it wasn't always an iconic food. Oct 31, 2018 · The Wampanoag people of Martha’s Vineyard (originally called Noepe by the Wampanoag) have been crafting wampum out of the quahog shell (hard-shelled clam) for thousands of years. How do I know if a quahog is fresh? Fresh quahogs will have tightly closed shells or shells that close tightly when tapped. Mar 31, 2022 · The word, “Quahog” is said to come from that Narragansett word. The familiar purple wampum beads and belts made from quahogs started to appear later, around 500 AD. Buy quahog shells of different sizes, grades, and colors from a sustainable source in the USA. Their shells are known to have concentric growth rings and can vary in color from grayish-white to dark brown or purple hues. Apr 20, 2024 · 5. Each one boasts a generous 5-ounce portion, ensuring a hearty and satisfying experience. Lippson and Robert L. Lippson, Life in the Chesapeake Bay. Using only the perfect size quahog shell we stuff each one by hand with our delicious stuffing. Though no two quahog shells is alike, there is one particularly Bring a piece of the ocean to your next project with our premium, cleaned quahog shells. "And so the quahogs that were producing most of the polyene and getting the purple color were living in areas that were anoxic, low-oxygen, and a lot of nitrogen," he said. What is an ocean quahog? At first sight, though, an ocean quahog is just a fairly plain, quite large and rounded clam. The southern species has rough, more pronounced ridges on the outside of the shell, and its inner shell is usually entirely white. Wampum shell beads have played a significant role in American Indian culture for thousands of years. Mar 29, 2016 · Wampum beads include the white shell beads fashioned from the North Atlantic channeled whelk shell, a sea snail with a spiral shape; and the white and purple beads made from the quahog, or Western North Atlantic hard-shelled clam. A quahog with a shell thickness or hinge width of less than 1 inch is seed and below legal harvest size and are not taken. He also uses authentic Native recipes for cooking fresh, stuffed Quahogs. The word quahog comes from the Sep 1, 2020 · The museum showcases an array of Indigenous collections from the tribal communities of southern New England, including the Narragansett tribe. The northern quahog’s shell is generally smooth on the outside and usually has that famous purple edging and swirls on the inside. ” Due to the usage of these shells to create beads that were, in turn, used as money, the quahog is generally understood as Mercenaria mercenaria, the Latin word for money or commerce. The body of the clam is complete-ly enclosed in a mantle, which is subdivided into lateral lobes that secrete a calcium carbonate shell. ” The Narragansetts ate the meat and crafted the quahog’s valuable purple shells into wampum. Check out our large quahog shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our beads shops. Jan 27, 2024 · Stuffed quahogs are large clam shells with chopped clams, spicy sausage, and stuffing mix in this easy variation on an East Coast classic. Every single piece shows a unique and natural beauty. May 16, 2024 · A quahog, also called a round clam, hard clam, or chowder clam, is a type of edible clam native to North American shores. We shuck dug-that-day Narragansett Bay quahogs. Our signature recipe combines the finest ingredients, including tender quahog clam We combine these quahog meats with our very own pork sausage, delicious local vegetables, crackers and spices. We carry many varieties of hard shell, soft shell, and seasonal clams including quahogs, steamers, razors, and more. Purple quahog beads (suckauhock) and white shell beads (wompampeage) are traditionally used from adornment and as part of tribal ce Purple-black ("Súki") beads ("Suckáuhock") from the growth rings of the Northern Quahog (Hard Clam) shell ("Suckauanaûsuck"). These shells, also called Mermaid’s toenails, are thin and shiny and sometimes appear golden. 5 Quahog Clam Facts Hinged shell: As bivalves, these clams have Jun 14, 2019 · The Quahog Clam Our wampum is cut from the quahog clam shell, which are distinct for its purple and white bands, which can be smoothed to a high polished shine. Expect some variations in shape and color. As with all clams, its shell is made up of two hinged parts called valves that protect the soft body parts inside. Quahog shells are great for any craft project especially making Jewelry. They are found in intertidal and subtidal areas from Nova Scotia, Canada to Florida. Its range spans nearly the entire continent, from Prince Edward Island to the Yucatán Peninsula. Sometimes smoked fish or meat was added. waters are 2. Morris, Shells of the Atlantic & Gulf Coasts & the West Indies. [2][3] The genus includes the quahogs, consisting of Mercenaria mercenaria, the northern quahog or hard clam, and M. campechiensis, the southern quahog, [2] both important species for human consumption. " The Native Americans used quahog shells to make beads that they used as money (wampum. Quahog shells and clam shells are a common sight on Cape Cod beaches and they generally will have spots of deep purple, known as "wampum". These natural quahog clam shells (little neck) are collected from the shores of Maine and are perfect for a wide range of creative uses. Check out our bulk quahog shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our mosaic making shops. Aug 6, 2024 · A quahog is a hard shell clam; it’s a mollusk. Create a classic New England look with a crushed sea shells driveway, walk or gathering area. Rhode Island shucked quahogs are plump and flavorful clam meat that has been expertly shucked and harvested from quahog clams native to Rhode Island’s coastal waters. In 1987, Kay Peterson was a member of the American Malacological Union and Conchologists of America Jan 23, 2014 · These clams are rarely sold by the name “hardshell” or “quahog,” but instead are sold by names reflecting size (1 1/2 to 5 inches), from littlenecks to cherrystones, topnecks and chowders. WAMPUM is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The left valves of ocean quahogs are Set of 4 beautiful Maine quahog clam shells I found here on the rocky shore where I live. These shells are thick, oval shaped can have a greyish exterior, white interior with a purple boarder. Growth rings on the shells show their age. The interior of the Abalone shells have a variation of shiny iridescent colors. Even with today's modern tools making wampum beads is very delicate and time consuming work. Concern: Can I use quahog shells for decoration? Answer: Yes, quahog shells can be cleaned and used for decorative purposes, such as jewelry or home decor. 6. Quahog and clam shells turn up on the beaches often, and usually have spots of deep purple. Andrew J. Quahog Shells are of the bivalve mollusks. Their smooth, rounded shape and rich mix of white, and cream tones make them a great choice for craft projects, home decor, art installations, and more. Feb 21, 2024 · Quahog is a universal term for any hard shell clam. Known for their briny-sweet taste and tender texture, Rhode Island shucked quahogs bring a taste of The Southern Quahog shell is much thicker and heavier than the Northern Quahog. Hard clams support extensive commercial aquaculture farming and recreational harvest activities, as well as a commercial wild-capture fishery. Authentic Quahog Wampum Beads, Pendants, and Jewelry Supplies. Quahog Wampum Shells measure 3"-4" across, a perfect size for cutting out discs, buttons, and pendants. Concern: Are there any health benefits to eating quahogs? Answer: Quahogs are a good source of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Their colour varies from yellowish-brown to black (it is thought that they become darker as they age). This species is native to the North Atlantic Ocean, and it is harvested commercially as a food source. A listing of the various types of clams supplied by Cape Cod Shellfish: Little to Mid Necks, Mahogany, Shucked Quahog Meat, and more. This line of mantle attachment to the shell is repre-sented on the inner Jan 24, 2019 · The name quahog comes from the clam’s Native American name, “poquauhock. Shell Color and Texture Color: Quahog shells can vary in color but generally appear grayish, white, or off-white on the outside. Jan 9, 2024 · This curious creature has an even more curious name: the ocean quahog, Arctica islandica. com. Perfect for beading, jewelry making, regalia Authentic Wampum Jewelry Hand-crafted by an experienced Cherokee Master Silversmith Traditional Hands features unique, hand-crafted Traditional Native jewelry forged by expert silversmiths for authentic style rich in culture and history. The quahog is especially popular in the cuisine of New England and can be served raw, steamed, stuffed, or in soups, stews, or sauces. We source all of our shells from local fisherman, and make every piece in house. At one time, The ridged shell is covered with growth rings, the interior of the shell is colored a deep purple, and the meat is pink in color. ” Wampum, an Indian jewelry sometimes used as currency, is made from the white portion of quahog shells. But quahogs also play a sacred role in the diet and culture of the Narragansett tribe, says Lorén Spears, executive director of the Tomaquag Museum. 3 inches in shell length. Interior is white with a purple border. Sep 12, 2023 · Like its quahog siblings, you'll find cherrystones up and down the East Coast of the United States and Canada. 10. Whether you find them along the shore or gather them up after eating their delicious contents, quahog shells are also lovely to collect, with swirls of dark purple and blue on their interiors. Its color ranges from cream-white to grayish hues with occasional dark blotches. Craig Spears, wampum craftsman, describes the tools and methods he uses to shape quahog shell. The Algonquin People made a stew consisting of clams, corn and beans. (a) A 110 mm (shell length) age 125 ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, released after marking in 1978 off Long Island, NY, and recovered September 6, 1983 before that year's annulus had formed; (b) enlargement of the marked area; (c) photomicrograph of the valve margin showing an annulus formed soon after marking (arrow) and four additional annuli. Get the best deals for Quahog Shells at eBay. On the West Coast, Manila clams and Washington steamer clams are sometimes called littlenecks, though Check out our quahog shell art selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wall decor shops. No water added! Shucked & chopped in house. R. The name "quahog" comes from the Narragansett word "poquauhock," and different sizes of quahogs Did you know? The shell of the ocean quahog is full of information! Not only can it be used to learn the age of the animal - by counting lines in its shell, much like we count the rings in a tree - it can also be used to look at what the marine environment was like in the past. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Check out our quahog clam shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our mosaic making shops. Buy live clams for wholesale. The shell pictured here was found at Surfside Beach, South Carolina. The quahog's scientific name, Mercenaria mercenaria, is derived from a Latin word meaning "wages. The US Composting Council advances compost manufacturing, compost utilization, and organics recycling to benefit our members, society, and the environment. They prefer the shallow inland waters of bays and estuaries. Then we freeze them right away to preserve the fresh flavor. The Native American name for the hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) is Quahog (also spelled quahaug, quohog, and others) and the name is unique to the Cape and Islands as well as Rhode Island. The pure white and deep purple hues of the quahog shell found in Martha’s Vineyard waters have been used in crafting for many thousands of years — the ancient practice continues today, as the descendants of the Island’s first inhabitants adopt their own interpretation of wampum. Jun 4, 2025 · In contrast, in areas of open ocean, Haraldur noticed, quahog shells seemed mostly white, with little to no purple. There are Rhode Island State Shell: Quahaug The word quahog comes from the Narragansett Indian name: poquauhock. Alice J. The species is primarily found along coastal waters from the Canadian Maritime provinces down to Florida. The vibrancy of the purple layers is affected by various environmental conditions including the level of iron found on the ocean floor. The quahog shell used to produce purple wampum and other shell pendants is exclusively the species with the Latin name 'Mercinaria mercinaria' There are several types of Whelk used to make the white beads and pendants with the Latin name 'Busycon'. The mantle, which is part of the body, covers the foot and visceral mass. Crafters like Berta Welch and Jason Widdiss continue to craft wampum jewelry through more modern means, using power tools. Jul 16, 2025 · To summarize, a quahog is a marine bivalve recognizable by its thick oval-shaped shell with multiple hinge teeth and rough concentric growth rings. 8 to 4. The somewhat inflated, roundish bivalve has a distinct beak which is off-center and points toward the anterior end of the shell. The clam shell is a dull grayish-white color; the inside is dull, chalky white, and lacks the complete purple border often Ming (c. Tucker Abbott, American Seashells. Also known as quahog shell, a clam with purple and white coloring. Aug 22, 2025 · Ocean quahogs are bivalve mollusks—they have two hinged shells that enclose their body. It’s derived from an Indian name from the Indigenous people of Rhode Island, the Narragansetts. Mercenaria mercenaria is commonly known as the Hard Clam or the Northern Quahog. This species is also known by a number of different common names, including Icelandic cyprine Check out our large quahog clam shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shells shops. Jingle shells may wash up in large numbers after a storm. Even the word “quahog” is indigenous to Conanicut, a truncation of “poquahock Check out our quahog wampum jewelry selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our beads shops. We provide quahog shells that are inexpensive, clean and odor free. Experience the timeless beauty of real natural Wampum, prized for its rich purple and white hues and cultural significance. Ming was the oldest individual (non- clonal) animal ever discovered whose age could be precisely determined. The sizes of this clam are as follows: Littleneck Clam (1 1/2″ – 2″), Cherrystone Clam (under 3″), Topnecks (3″ – 4″), Chowder Clam (over 4″). These succulent clam pieces are a versatile seafood ingredient, perfect for chowders, clam stuffings, pasta dishes, and more. Sometimes they have purple or brown streaks or blotches. Check out our quahog shells for baking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our mosaic making shops. Made from the rare Northeastern Quahog clam shell that features variations of deep purple and white colors, our collection of sterling silver Wampum jewelry Why is it called a Quahog? The Narragansett American Indians invented the word Quahog, which is an acronym for “poquauhock. Find top brands, exclusive offers, and unbeatable prices on eBay. Blue-purple pieces of the shell are polished and used to make jewelry today, just as in pre-Columbian times. It is native to the East Coast of North America from southern Florida to the Gulf of St. Researchers estimate that the largest northern quahogs (about five inches in length) live 12 to 20 years, with the oldest living about 40 years old. May 27, 2018 · Culture Significance: Wampum, which were made out shells of this very mollusc, were used by Native Americans. It’s important to be mindful that this is a living being and was a prized food (and still is) for many eastern Indigenous nations. The Indians used the shells for Currency to buy Tobacco, Liquor and more! Rock tu The white wampum can be made from Quahog, Whelk or Conch but the Purple Wampum can only be made from Quahog shell. It is ridged over the entire surface with concentric lines. May 22, 2025 · The Northern quahog (pronounced coe-hog) is a species of hard-shelled clam. May 27, 2024 · The quahog clam is an edible marine saltwater invertebrate found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. A less common find is the Marcus Hendricks is a Native American professional that creates and distributes handmade Wampum jewelry. The white wampum can be made from Quahog, Whelk or Conch but the Purple Wampum can only be made from Quahog shell. Dec 18, 2024 · How To Make Stuffed Quahogs Stuffed quahogs, endearingly called “stuffies”, are a true comfort food that have become a quintessential part of New England cuisine. Quahaugs are also very long-lived, some specimens reaching ages of more than 200 years. They are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique flavor, setting the gold standard for stuffed clams. The process of making the wampum beads is arduous. Razor clam shells are also a common sight on Cape Cod beaches, but unlike most of the above shells, they are not the most beautiful of shells, but they can be a nice find none-the-less for an avid collector. Background The hard clam, commonly called a quahog, is a bivalve (two shells) mollusc that lives in bays and estuaries along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf coast. Rhode Islanders revere the quahog, which grows abundantly in Narragansett Bay and fills many a Rhode Island stomach. The age of a quahog can be determined by counting the layers in the shell much like counting the rings in a tree. Range & Habitat The quahog (pronounced co-hog) clam grows two large shells that it holds together with a strong muscle. Feb 6, 2025 · They have a distinctive, rounded shell that can vary in color from grayish-brown to purple and features concentric rings. Elsewhere along the East Coast, it is referred to as a "clam" Locally, the term "clam" is used to describe the soft shell or steamer clam (Mya Dec 7, 2016 · 500-year-old clam reveals 'hugely worrying' evidence of climate change and its effects Quahog clam shells allow scientists to measure chemical make-up of the oceans more precisely than ever before Wampum is the Native American term for the purple or white cylindrical beads made from the shell of the quahog, or inner cylinder shell of the conch. Sep 22, 2025 · Most commonly made from the Quahog, a round clam shell, the word wampum comes from the Algonquin term for the shells. From there we vacuum pack each Stuffie to ensure the freshest product reaches the consumer. While it is called Ote-ko-a in the Seneca language, wampum is the most widely recognized term. Indigenous people in Jamestown buried their loved ones with decorated quahog shells as long ago as 1400 BC, according to discoveries by archaeologist William Simmons. Colourful Shell Inside: The inside of the shell of a quahog often has a beautiful purple colour, making them very prized for use in jewelry and art. ” These edible clams are one of our most popular shellfish. See photos, descriptions, and prices of quahog shells and broken shells on NaturalExotics. Learn how to Cut Quahog Shell & Create beautiful Jewelry! Follow the Video. Perhaps you are familiar with littleneck clams and cherry stone clams, which also fall under the general term of quahog. Glass & Real Quahog Shell Wampum beads also available. Peter Meyer, Nature Appearance Clams are bivalves, or molluscs that have two shells joined by an elastic hinge Exterior shells are dirty gray or whitish colored Northen clams may have brown zig-zag patterns; juvenile northern clams have raised ridges Interior of shell usually white, although northern clam may have purple shading along the outer edges Two adductor muscles are used to close the shell Two siphons Jul 17, 2019 · The quahog clam shell, where the purple shell pieces comes from to make wampums, is a native species of our coastal waters. Mar 12, 2025 · These large quahog clams are stuffed with a Portuguese-influenced mixture of bread, briny clams, and smoky chouriço. Fashioned from carefully selected and polished sections of the finest quahog shells, and set in fine silver, our quahog shell jewelry fully encapsulates the beauty that is hidden within the quahog shell. Because ocean quahogs are so long-lived, their shells can tell scientists how warm the seas were 300 years ago or Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. Mercenaria is a genus of edible marine bivalves in the family Veneridae, the Venus clams. Their sturdy, bowl-like shape makes them ideal for presenting seafood dishes and most popularly stuffed clams. The hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), also known as the round clam, hard-shell (or hard-shelled) clam, or the quahog, [a] is an edible marine bivalve mollusk that is native to the eastern shores of North America and Central America from Prince Edward Island to the Yucatán Peninsula. Aug 22, 2014 · The term “quahog” comes from the Narragansett Indian name poquauhock, recorded by Roger Williams in his 17th-century writings about the “little thick shel-fish the Indians wade deepe and dive for. Wampum is made from two different types of shells. Elsewhere along the East Coast, it is referred to as a "clam" Locally, the term "clam" is used to describe the soft shell or steamer clam (Mya May 8, 2019 · Learn more about seashells Learn more about identifying shells, the history of seashell collecting, great shelling beaches, and the lives of the animals who make the shells we find on the beach. Both Jun 25, 2024 · A clam is a general term for various bivalve mollusks, while a quahog is a specific type of hard-shell clam found in the Atlantic. Martinez, Marine Life of the North Atlantic. The white beads are made from the internal portion of the channeled whelk’s shell, while purple or black beads were made from the shell of the Quahog clam. The flesh of these clams is mild, sweet, and briny with a firm texture. Wampum Beads - Clay Polymer Clay Wampum Beads looks more like original quahog shell. These clams native habitat is limited to the costal waters between the Gulf of Maine and Long Island Sound. The Rhode Island state shellfish is prized for its sweet meat, bracing brine, and attractive PEI Quahogs The clam's harder-shelled cousin, the quahog, can be found just below the sand or mud surface between the high and low tidal zone and beyond, in sheltered waters. Once acquired, the shell was broken into white or purple cubes. Shells are thick and oval-shaped. Donald Widdiss and Frank Rapoza turn quahog shells into illustrations of history and creativity. The quahog's scientific name, Mercenaria mercenaria, is from the Latin word for "wages" (Native Americans used quahog shells to make beads that they used as money, or "wampum"). In this post I'd like to "bring you with me" on one of my 2022 quahogging adventures. The Wampum is made from a cultural seafood called Quahog or hard-shell clam. One of these artifacts is the quahog, a Rhode Island favorite to both shell and eat. They are one of the few animals on earth that never stop growing. . This was the original recipe for clam chowder. Check out our quahog shells for sale selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shells shops. Browse 21 quahog shell photos and images available, or search for clam shell to find more great photos and pictures. May 8, 2019 · Learn more about seashells Learn more about identifying shells, the history of seashell collecting, great shelling beaches, and the lives of the animals who make the shells we find on the beach. The hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria ), also known as the round clam, hard-shell (or hard-shelled) clam, or the quahog, is an edible marine bivalve mollusk that is native to the eastern shores of North America and Central America from Prince Edward Island to the Yucatán Peninsula. [1][2][3] Thought to be 405 years old, Ming A quahog shell rests on top of a reproduction of the "Women's Nomination" wampum belt, with a small partial wampum belt next to it made of real shell. Quahogs are found in the waters from Cape Cod south to New York, with a great abundance in Long Island Sound. Remove half the work from your recipes for chowder, stuffies, etc. Jul 16, 2025 · The shells are notably thicker than many other clam species, providing extra protection against predators. The smaller the clam the more tender the meat. These states host a thriving quahog harvesting industry that provides jobs for hundreds and generates millions in revenue. They are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique flavor, setting Explore a wide range of our Quahog Shell selection. Can I freeze quahogs? Yes, if you have leftover quahogs, you can store them in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. The quahog fishery is a significant contributor to the economy of New England states, particularly Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Wampum Quahogs shells are found in the waters from Cape Cod south to New York, with a great abundance in Long Island Sound. They can grow quite large, to a shell diameter of 13 centimetres. Check out our quahog shell jewelry selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our pendant necklaces shops. We are unique. Dec 19, 2016 · Species Description Quahaugs are fairly oval and have a heavy shell. May 29, 2025 · Almost fifty years ago, when Haraldur Sigurdsson first came to the University of Rhode Island from Iceland, he got interested in what makes some clam shells more purple than others. Outside is a dull gray with growth rings that can be used to determine its age. 11. There are two species of hard clams found in Florida, the northern hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) and the southern hard clam (Mercenaria campechiensis) and in areas where both species occur, they can form hybrids (or hybridize). islandia from Wales The ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) is a species of edible clam, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Arcticidae. In Rhode Island, we call them quahogs, anywhere else in the country, they call them hard shell clams. The purple and Crazy Crow's Whole Quahog Wampum Shells are a chalk-white shell accented by the easily recognizable hue of purple wampum. In Alqonquin, the word quahog means “white. Wampanoag Shells is an indigenous-owned business that provides education on the history and traditions of the owner's cultural heritage as well as distributes handmade Wampum jewelry, traditional indigenous items, and culturally sustainable foods. ykg gtoa xohk spigt laahwjn kasw mdlzgekx dgph pwv otbe bjvtbrf nawbe wfxlu xmcaupq dwlkf