What type of shells are these?

[cerF]

I bought a wooden candy dish at a garage sale. It is lined with the same looking material found on this table. My step-dad said the shells are called "Kabba" shells and were popular in the 60's. I searched online and couldnt find anything about these "shells". I searched for "kabba, kaba, caba, cabba, koba, kobba, etc" but to no avail. Can someone please ID these shells for me They are flat and very thin and pliable.

 

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[River Rat]

I'm taking a guess of white abalone. They come in different colors so I think this would be the white.

RR

 

[Montana Jim]

Or "Capiz" shells... maybe?

http://famousbrandintrade.com/capiz_shell_products

 

[River Rat]

I believe Jim is correct on the shells. Capiz what it looks like to me too now after seeing them.

RR

 

[NGE]

Could also be large fish scales, they are flexible.

 

[cerF]

Or "Capiz" shells... maybe?

http://famousbrandintrade.com/capiz_shell_products

JIMMMM!!!! Thanks man. You re dead on the money.

 

[Shortstack]

Could also be large fish scales, they are flexible.

My guess was, "Maybe the word Kabba is Polynesian for fake and these were actually large fish scales."

 

[Montana Jim]

Or "Capiz" shells... maybe?

http://famousbrandintrade.com/capiz_shell_products

JIMMMM!!!! Thanks man. You re dead on the money.

 

[Newt]

Looks like Tarpon scales
Newt

 

[North Florida Beach Hunter]

I agree with Newt. If they are flexible, they are probably tarpon scales.

 

[Montana Jim]

I love newt, but I disagree... nobody makes stuff like that with tarpon scales, but TONS of things are made with capiz shells... fish scales have to be treated or they shrivel and dry up.

Capiz shells





Tarpon scale

 

[cerF]

They most definitely are not Tarpon scales. Ive worked in the sportfishing industry for well over 15 years and caught a bunch of tarpon myself while stationed in Florida and Puerto Rico. This material is 100% capiz shell. Thanks Jim.