Cowrie Shells
Cowrie Shells are more than just shells used for fashion or decoration. Theses beautiful shells that have been around forever have a very unique and rich history. Some say cowrie shells are the mouth of Orishas; an African legend says one who has a call to cowrie shells is kin to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth.
History of Cowrie Shells
Cowrie shells are traced back to the 16th century, and Indo-Pacific tropical Waters are claimed to be the primary source of these sea shells, used as a form of currency not only in West Africa but also in some parts of Asia and North America. The Portuguese colonized these shells when exploring the Indian Ocean to use them as ” Shell Money” in the West African slave trade.
Culture
Cowrie shells were a symbol of wealth and social status in many cultures like in some countries in Asia and Africa. Cowrie Shells have a multitude of significance, especially in communicating with the spirit world. They are used as divination tools and for rituals in countries in West Africa like Nigeria as well as across the Americas. Cowrie Shells are said to be used in some rituals for protection and fertility.
Connection
For those who don't know I practice IFA and I am a Child of Olokun. Olokun, being the ruler of the Sea, the bottom of the ocean, wealth, fertility, healing, and abundance. As the Orisha of great wealth, Olokun is the ultimate provider of cowrie shells. That was a big surprise to me to be told during my first IFA reading that I am connected to them because I have always been drawn to the shells my entire life and use them frequently in my artwork. Now I emulate cowrie shells in my everyday use to celebrate my culture and pay homage to my Baba.
Have you ever felt drawn to Cowrie Shells? Tell me about it below.
Citation
Simon-Hartman, M. (2021, August 21). The history of the Cowrie Shell in Africa – and its cultural significance. Simon. https://www.simon-hartman.com
Pallaver, K. (2023, January 20). Cowries, the currency that powered West Africa. ADP ReThink Quarterly. https://rethinkq.adp.com/