19th Century Conch Shell (Shankh) – Akshay Paliya

A Conch Shell or Shankh is a natural musical wind instrument typically used during prayers or sacred ceremonies in multiple eastern religions. This 19th century conch shell is specifically associated with Hinduism and has a lot of Indian mythology symbols and creatures beautifully sculpted on the brass fittings.

At one end of the brass fitting are two creatures, the head of a Makara (Elephant/Crocodile monster) and Yali (Elephant/ Lion monster), which compelled me to go for this asset. It felt like something which would exist in an Indian Black Myth Wukong or Elden Ring game as a hero prop. Also, this would be a great portfolio piece.

Capturing the silhouette and doing justice to the reference within 25,000 triangles will be a challenge I am looking forward to.

I might take some creative liberty and add wear, damage and gemstones as seen in other similar conch shell references.