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Conference by Catherine Dupont, archaeomalacologist, researcher at the CNRS, CReAAH, University of Rennes. Although seemingly harmless, marine shells have always had a close relationship with human populations. We invite you to draw the shell spiral to scroll through the multiple uses that these animals reveal to us from prehistory to the present day. This journey through time is possible thanks to the discovery of their skeletons during archaeological excavations, that is to say, their shells. The food destination is, by far, the most readable attestation of shells. Are the mollusks consumed on our coasts 8,000 years ago the same ones that are currently on our plates? Is this consumption harmless? Does it reflect who we are? Although recurring in our menus, these mollusks have also been, depending on the era, adornments associated with bodies, clothing and objects, wall decorations, travel souvenirs, producers of dyes or tools... This journey through time will allow you to see the shellfish of our coasts differently.