Wacky World Of Wedding Traditions

Traditions, inspirations, ideas, and links from around the world

Friday, July 31, 2009

Cowrie Commerce

Cowrie shells, Cypraea moneta, are typically found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans have a history of being used for money in Africa. In fact the Ghanaian cedi (currency) is named after cowry shells. Over 3000 years ago Chinese cowry shells and copies of shells were used as currency. Cowries have been used in clothing and ritual practices for thousands of years. Today designers feature and use Cowrie Shells in clothing, jewelry, hair embellishments and more. Below a Cowrie Shell inspiration board.

Resource Photos clock wise:
  1. Indigo Collective
  2. Jefferson's Monticello Cowrie
  3. Corrine Edwards
  4. Beauloni Style, Hair: Khamit Kinks
  5. Urban Adornments
  6. Samuel Lovi
  7. Cowrie Shell Flower Pin
  8. chARiTyelise
  9. Afrique La Chic

2 comments:

BellBookCandleSupply said...

Money Cowrie Seashells (Cypraea moneta) are so named because they used to carry the value of money and were used just as we use money today. This particular seashell is found around coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Each shell is approximately 1/2".
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Cassandra Bromfield's Blogs said...

Thank you Bell Book Candle Supply. I think it is important to know the value of this shell people may take for granted.

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