雅美族人對貝類的應用，環繞在既成的習慣、既定的信仰、習以為常的判斷、不學而得的情緒及相互糾纏的古老叢結中，並構成其重要的思想特徵與行動體系。其顯現的貝類文化，含括神話的敘述、巫術用的法器、身體的飾物、生命的象徵，以及做為食物的認知等等所形成的常識面向中；而常識一如信仰扮演著道德規範和社會價值，並影響著人們在其曆法的運作與生態體係的活動。 另外就文化系統的觀點而言，個人意義化的行動，關係著對他人的意義；因為個人行動，除了日常生活機能的功用外，也是為了被社會的實踐所接受。但這樣的體係並非一成不變的靜態顯現，其也隨著傳統信仰、知識脈絡、社會實踐三者偏移或改變而隨之轉變。

The thinking characters and practice system of Yami were composed of shell applying that intertwine with existing habitus, pre-belief, usual judgment, essential mood. The shell culture in common sense of Yami people was presented as mythic narrative, witching implement, body ornament, life symbol and food cognition et al. As faith plays a role of moral norm and social value, common sense also influences the calendar running and ecological actions. In cultural system, individually meaningful action is related to the others: personal action not only for practical use, but also for being accepted by social practice. However, this system is not static. It is usually adjusted to the changing relationship of traditional belief, knowledge context and social practice.