This unusual cowrie shell was recovered in June 2005 from a plantation house site occupied during the first half of the 18th century. The site is in Calvert County, Maryland. Two cowrie shells were found there. One is a typical shell, with the top surface removed to create an attachment hole. The shell pictured here, however, is different. The shell is intact, and molten lead was poured into it. A copper alloy eyelet was then inserted into the lead. It is not clear if this cowrie was used as a button or had some other special function, or if it was used as other cowries normally were. If anyone has seen a similar lead-filled shell, or might have ideas or suggestions about this object, please contact Edward Chaney of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory at 410-586-8554 or echaney@mdp.state.md.us.