A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond: More jobs and no 'nuisance taxes' - Ghanaians' great expectations A love letter to attiéké, Ivory Coast's ...

As early as the 14th century cowrie shells were used on Africa’s western coast, according to the National Museum of African ...

1,200 BC: Cowrie Shells The first use of cowries ... 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 ...

The Cowrie shell, part of the Cypraeidae family, is found in Western Australia and is known for its glossy exterior and spotted pattern. This particular shell is extremely rare, with only a ...