Cowrie or cowry (pl. cowries) is the common name for a group of small to large sea snails in the family Cypraeidae. Cowrie shells have held cultural, economic, and ornamental significance in …

Cowrie shells were traded for goods and services throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and used as money as early as the 14th century on Africa’s western coast.

Apr 11, 2025 · Discover the history and significance of cowrie shells as both currency and cultural symbol across Africa, Asia, and modern fashion.

Aug 24, 2025 · Cowrie shells, admired for their unique beauty and enduring qualities, are more than mere natural objects. These distinctive shells have captured human fascination across …

Cowrie, any of several marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia (class Gastropoda) comprising the genus Cypraea, family Cypraeidae. The humped, thick shell is beautifully …

Jan 24, 2025 · Throughout the African diaspora, these tiny, oval-shaped shells hold both spiritual and cultural significance. They originate at the bottom of the Indian and Pacific oceans, formed …

May 2, 2025 · A Ghanaian cedi coin featuring the image of a cowrie shell. The exchange of cowries reached its peak when European merchants and enslavers got involved, leveraging …

Jun 26, 2023 · Cowrie shells are small, smooth shells that have a shiny, porcelain-like appearance and are usually light beige in colour. They possess an elegant oval shape and are …

Jun 23, 2025 · In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of cowrie shells, exploring their history, cultural significance, and the symbolism behind these enigmatic shells.

These small white shells are known as cowries. A cowrie is the shell of a tiny mollusk, or sea snail, that lives in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Look closely at the …