Turtle Shell

[huntertrapper]

I have a small turtle shell i want to take with me on primitive treks and im wondering whether i should get the backbone thats always left inside or not? or can the bone just stay in there? i plan to drink fro it or eat from it. thanks fellas

[mullet]

 I think you would be better off with a wooden bowl or gourd, health wise. Maybe I'm just being overly cautious, though.

[jamie]

salmonilla. (?) you can burn it over a fire to clean it. not to much heat though. dont boil in it either. you'll ruin it. i make snapper soup in the shell and the shell is useless after cooking.

[huntertrapper]

thanks guys, maybe ill try and make a gord or bowl. . .

[JackCrafty]

Brewer's pitch can be used to coat the inside of the shell.  Just heat the pitch, pour it into the shell, swish it around, and dump out the excess.  It will be safe for drinking and the pitch is all-natural.  I would grind down the backbone and make the inside of the shell as smooth as possible before coating, though.

I think beeswax can be used also.