THE ANCESTORS HAVE SPOKEN
THE ANCESTORS HAVE SPOKEN.
Did you know that Cowrie shells helped Orixas and spiritual guides predict the future or the unknown?
According to African legends, if you are attracted to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. The Cowrie also represents Goddess protection, which is very powerful and connected with the strength of the ocean.
The cowrie shell was one of the most successful and universal forms of currency in the world. In West Africa, the shell developed a deeper symbolic and ritualistic meaning throughout history that is still recognized in modern cultures. The size, shape, and minimal weight of the small white shells made them suitable as a form of money, and they were used for small and large purchases.
Cowrie shells were often threaded into bracelets or long strings of forty. For large payments, they were packed into pouches or stored in baskets and weighed to determine their value. By the 15th century the shells were widely circulated throughout the world, especially in the Empire of Mali. Europeans recognized the indigenous fondness of the shells, maliciously helping them to be one of the main currencies used in the trade of slaves, gold, and other goods. The cowrie was used in conjunction with silver, gold dust, salt bars, brass and copper rods and manilas, and beads, to fund the transatlantic slave trade.
By the 18th century, cowrie was the currency of choice along West African trade routes. It was a symbol of wealth and power until the 20th century.
The cowrie was the shell most widely used worldwide as shell money. It is most abundant in the Indian Ocean and in various parts of the African coast from & Mozambique.
Our Inez Cowrie shell earrings are a Stunner! They are lightweight, bold and pairs well with anything.
DETAILS:
White marbled resin
Natural cowrie shells
SIZE
3”inch long x 2” in Wide
Lightweight
Arrives in custom pouch