Chuck Ripper: Giant Clam on Ocean Floor

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 12.25 by 14.5 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouche Water Color on Masonite

Early in the 1930s a massive pearl weighing over 15 pounds was extracted from a Giant Clam, which is not surprising considering this huge mollusk can grow to weigh 500 pounds and reach five feet in length. Unable to move because of its size, this giant bivalve spends its life in shallow water embedded among corals, where it feeds on colonies of marine algae. Folklore often describes the Giant Clam as a sinister animal, capable of trapping a man within its shell and drowning him. Although the Giant Clam is very well camouflaged, and when disturbed instinctively closes its shell using its incredibly strong adductor muscle, the shell nevertheless closes at a very slow rate. No documented case exists of anyone being trapped and killed by a Giant Clam. In the past, the Giant Clams' extremely large shells were used as wash or baptismal basins, and are still found at the doors of some Catholic Churches filled with holy water. The shells have an incredible density, and natives of the Caroline Islands fashion axe heads from their thickest portions. Four main ribs set with several short scales distinguish the Giant Clam at any stage of its growth. The shells grow obliquely forward, making them asymmetric. Aside from the shell, the rest of the clam weighs a mere 25 pounds and is considered a delicacy. This endangered animal has suffered greatly from the effects of pollution and may one day soon pass from the face of the Earth.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the United Nations 29¢ Giant Clam stamp issued March 3, 1993.

Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB14182

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