The cowrie shells have been long revered in Black and African cultures, symbolizing community, ... Unlike coins or paper money, cowrie shells were durable and visually appealing, ...

Their relevance also sate beyond being used as money. They even represented power in trade: Europeans in the 16th century used cowries to enter African trade markets. Shells were used to purchase ...

She said her favorite story from her book was about the money cowrie. This is the shell adorning many bracelets and necklaces at local tourist shops. "These shells, served as money for more than ...

Called a money cowrie, the shell was uncovered Sept. 13 in a trench on the property of William Shirley (1694-1771), a Royal Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

Cowrie shells have a very long history of serving as money, even into the early 20th century in some primitive African societies. Salt, cattle and tobacco have served as exchange commodities.

For millennia, money was a physical object, from Chinese cowrie shells to Roman coins. It ably served its societies, but only to a point. Over time, a new possibility emerged: the concept that the ...

Further, cowrie shells have been used by Black women to make bold fashion choices many times. While slaying BET’s 2022 Awards, Sistas star Novi Brown wore a dress covered in the shells.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, where the shell is located, is devoted to the study of seashells and their history. Note to readers: This is Part 2 in a five-part series.

Their relevance also sate beyond being used as money. They even represented power in trade: Europeans in the 16th century used cowries to enter African trade markets. Shells were used to purchase ...