1,200 BC: Cowrie Shells The first use of ... cowries have been used in some parts of Africa. The cowrie is the most widely and longest used currency in history. 1,000 BC: First Metal Money and ...

As early as the 14th century cowrie shells were used on Africa’s western coast, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. They were also traded for goods and ...

Our special video series looks at some of the more unique shells at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel, ...