Tortoiseshell

File:鼈甲

鼈甲

Vienna - Tortoise shell cabinet & baroque bust - 6465

Singing Bird Box by Bontems

Tortoiseshell refers to the mottled or multicolored shell of certain turtles, used historically for decorative purposes, as well as the distinctive coloration pattern found in the fur of some cats, typically females. The term is also applied to describe similar patterns in other materials or objects, such as glasses frames, jewelry, and inlays in woodworking.

Origin and History

The use of tortoiseshell for decorative and practical purposes dates back to ancient times. It was prized for its beautiful, natural patterning and was often used in the creation of small personal items such as combs, brushes, and inlays for furniture and musical instruments. The material comes primarily from the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which is now considered critically endangered. Due to conservation efforts and international laws, the trade of real tortoiseshell has been greatly restricted.

Tortoiseshell in Cats

In cats, tortoiseshell describes a coat coloring that combines two colors other than white, typically black and orange, although the colors can be diluted to grey and cream. This pattern is almost exclusively found in female cats due to the genetic mechanism that determines sex and coat color. The genes responsible for the orange and black colors are located on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes, they can display both colors if they inherit different color genes, one from each parent. Males, having only one X chromosome, are typically either black or orange but can be tortoiseshell if they have a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome (XXY).

Cultural Significance

Tortoiseshell cats are subjects of folklore and myth in many cultures. In the United States, they are sometimes referred to as "money cats" due to a superstition that they bring good fortune. In Japan, tortoiseshell cats are believed to protect against ghosts and spirits.

Conservation and Alternatives

Due to the endangered status of the hawksbill turtle, the trade in tortoiseshell items has been banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Alternatives to natural tortoiseshell include synthetic plastics and celluloid, which can mimic the appearance of tortoiseshell and are used in the manufacture of items like glasses frames and guitar picks.

See Also

• Hawksbill sea turtle
• Cat coat genetics
• Endangered species
• CITES

Tortoiseshell Resources
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