EL NIÑO'S POWERFUL REACH   What is
El Niño?
Clues From
the Past
Long Distance
Connections
Winners &
Losers
El Niño
Lowdown

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Peruvian beads
These beads were made by ancient Peruvian cultures from Spondylus shells.


When thorny oysters, Spondylus, show up, Peruvians know an El Niño is coming. Because of its predictive value, ancient societies highly prized the oyster, making lavish jewelry from its shells and frequently depicting it in pottery. Except during an El Niño event, the waters off the coast of Peru are too cold for Spondylus. Spondylus shell
Spondylus shell.