Cowrie Shells

Cowrie Shells are said to have originated in warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and from there they travelled their way by land and sea to other realms such as the Indian Islands and African Coasts.



Dating back as far as the 13th Century B.C. cowrie shells were circulated as a main source of money. They were the most recognised and successful form of currency in the world up until the 20th Century.



These attractive shells also have a deep symbolic and ritualistic meaning. They are used as divination tools by priests and priestesses to communicate with Gods and Goddesses, the shells would be tossed onto the ground and by the way they fell the messages would be read. Cowries are used to ward off evil, make amulets, charms and adornments; also they are linked to protection, strength, power and wealth.