Conch shell trumpets have been played in many Pacific Island countries, as well as South America and Southern Asia.

The Arawak word ‘fotuto’ was used to describe this instrument, and is still used to this day to refer to conch horns, and analogously, to bullhorns.

In Japan this kind of trumpet is known as the horagai, which spread across Asia with Buddhism (first mentioned during the Heian period (794–1185 CE)[3]).

In New Zealand, a type of conch with a wooden mouthpiece called the pūtātara is the main instrument used to herald guests in traditional welcoming ceremonies.

[13] Austronesian settlers to the island of Madagascar brought along their conch shell which eventually became the antsiva (in the west coast) or bankora which was blown customarily as part of ceremonies such as circumcisions and funerals.

[21][22][23][24] An Indian conch, partially processed via an Echoplex delay, was featured prominently in the score for the film Alien (1979).

Initially, composer Jerry Goldsmith used the conch during a scene depicting the extraterrestrial environment of a derelict spaceship.

However, director Ridley Scott was so impressed by the eerie effect that he requested its use throughout the rest of the score, including during the main titles.

[26] Other film recording projects featuring Don Chilton's conch shell playing include work with Trevor Morris on Vikings Valhalla; Aiko Fukushima on Samurai Rabbit; Matt Koskenmaki on Survivor 44 - 47; and Trey Toy on Castlevania: Nocturne.