Do you want to know where are cowrie shells found? To know the answer in detail, you must dive into the fascinating history of cowrie shells. This article explains why people are so intrigued by them and where cowrie shells are found.
Some of us are obsessed with seashells, you might like collecting these as a hobby. People collect seashells found on beaches, shorelines, and in the oceans. If you, too, fall into this category of seashell collectors, this article is for you.
Where are cowrie shells found? Shells are undoubtedly the first ornament people learned to make and wear. The oldest shell neckpiece is believed to go back more than 100,000 years.
In Africa and Asia, cowrie shells were even used as a medium of exchange.
What are cowrie shells?
Cowries shells are nothing but a particular type of small marine snails known as cowries. These snails have shells that are tiny, oval, or egg-shaped, with a shiny, smooth surface and a narrow opening on one side.
They mostly live in the seawater of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Cowrie shells are another outstanding addition to marine life. Their history and usage date back thousands of years. But where are cowrie shells found? They have been found across different continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and America. However, cowrie shells were abundant in the Indian Ocean, where people used to collect them and make a living out of them.
You will be surprised that cowrie shells were used as a currency in many ancient civilizations, including Africa. People valued them because of their natural beauty and small size. In many African cultures, cowrie shells are still used to make jewellery, clothing accessories, etc.
So, what does the cowrie shell represent?
They were even considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility, so they are sacred by some cultures. It’s true that with the rise of modern civilization and currency, the popularity and value of cowrie shells are no longer the same. However, they have still managed to make a place in the modern world. Today, cowrie shells are appreciated and collected by shell lovers worldwide.
What are the different types of cowrie shells
There are plenty of varieties of cowrie shells, including:
Arabic cowrie shells
Previously known as Cypraea arabica, Arabic cowrie shells are primarily found in the Indo-West Pacific. They are majorly active at night, making them nocturnal. These shells are also appreciated for their size, quality, and rarity. In Arab countries, these shells were used as a medium of exchange before the coins came.
Tiger cowrie shells
Scientifically known as Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, Tiger cowrie shells are larger and heavier than others. They have a tiger-like pattern and hide in the coral reefs during the day, only to come out at night. You can see them in the Indo-Pacific region.
Egg cowrie shells
Egg cowrie shells are highly regarded for their beauty and are characterized by their oval shape, just like an egg. They have a glossy, polished surface and are white from the outside. These shells are mainly found in New Zealand, Australia, East African coast and Southern Japan.
Deer cowrie shells
Also known as Cypraea cervus, Deer cowrie shells are abundant in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, mainly in Australia, New Zealand, Maldives, and Indonesia. They got the name because of their similarity to a deer’s head shape. They are mainly brown with porcelain-like spots that make them more attractive.
Ring Top cowrie shells
Ring Top cowrie shells, also known as Cypraea annulus, are mainly found in tropical regions all across the globe. They include a rounded oval shape and pale white or pale yellow. It has multiple ring-like patterns on the outside, hence the name. These rings create an attractive and appealing look for the shells.
Money cowrie shells
Cyprea Moneta or Money cowrie shells are triangular shaped, deep yellow or white, found in shallow water in the Indo-Pacific region. These shells were imported to Africa and used as currency. Still, in some parts of Africa, people use them as a medium of exchange.
White cowrie shells
White cowrie shells are probably the most common type of cowrie shells ever found. There are plenty of them in the Indo-Pacific region. These shells are smooth, white and have symbolic and spiritual values.
Wart cowrie shells
Cyprea verrucosa or Wart cowrie shells are mainly found on the Indonesian island, among the coral reefs. The name comes from the warty or knobbed pattern by which you can identify these particular cowrie shells. These creatures are nocturnal and include creamy white outside with purple highlights.
Lynx cowrie shells
Cyprea Lynx or Lynx cowrie shells are generally small to medium-sized with a specific pattern of black spots or stripes. These look just like the pattern that can be seen on Lynx. These creatures live under coral reefs or rocks in the Indo-West Pacific region, where the seawater is shallow.
Snake Head cowrie shells
Cypraea Caputserpentis or Snake Head cowrie shells are abundant in the Hawaiian Islands chains. They have a unique shape, just like the head of a snake. They are nocturnal creatures with smooth, polished, and oval surfaces.
Where are cowrie shells found?
Cowrie shells can be found in several parts of the world, including the tropical and subtropical regions. Look at this description of places to know where cowrie shells are found:
Indo Pacific region
Cowrie shells are everywhere in the Indo-Pacific region. It stretches from the eastern coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean, such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands. Also, it extends to the Pacific islands, including the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Atlantic Ocean
You won’t find that many cowrie shells in the Atlantic Ocean, but they are there. From Senegal to Angola, you can find rare cowrie shells like Deer cowrie.
Caribbean Sea
The waters surrounding islands like Jamaica, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic are home to some species of cowrie shells.
South Pacific islands
Some South Pacific islands like Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu are widely regarded for their marine life, including the cowrie shells. You will also find the shells on the beaches and the surrounding waters.
Cowrie shells meaning
Cowrie shells are not only fashion elements or a previously used medium of exchange. They also have deep meanings that could fascinate you. Here are different cowrie shells meaning:
Symbol of protective powers
In some African and Afro-Caribbean cultures, people believed that cowrie shells had protective qualities. It could even ward off evil energy and is often used in amulets, talismans, and jewellery for spiritual protection. If you believe in African legends, you know cowrie shells bear the power of Yemaya, the ocean Goddess who protects.
Symbol of fertility
The African tribes believe that if you wear cowrie shells around your hips, it helps you to become a mother. These shells represent the female reproductive organs. So if you carry cowrie shells, you could also use them as a protective charm during pregnancy.
Symbol of prosperity
According to the ancient legends of ocean Goddess Yemaya, you will be provided with the power of an ocean in case a cowrie shell finds you. When you find a cowrie shell, that means Goddess Yemaya has blessed you. This would mean that you could find wealth and prosperity soon.
Symbol of love
African women wear necklaces made of cowrie shells to show how ready they are to get into a relationship. In ancient Rome, cowrie shells were a symbol of the Goddess of love, Venus.
Rare cowrie shells
Rare cowrie shells are valuable and highly regarded by seashell collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. These shells are sold at high prices and considered valuable artefacts in the markets. Here, take a look at some rarest ones:
Hundred-eyed cowrie shells
Hundred-eyed cowrie shells or Cypraea argus are extremely rare to get your hands on. The name comes from the small brown rings on its surface that look precisely like numerous eyes. To collect this type of cowrie shells, you have to look in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
These cowrie shells are oval-shaped, have a porcelain-like finish, and are larger than average. In Countries like Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Aldabra, you will find some Hundred eyed cowrie shells.
White-toothed cowrie shells
White-toothed cowrie shells or Cypraea leucodon are the world’s rarest seashells. The very first instance of this particular cowrie shell was seen when a fish was caught in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. It was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the rarest seashell you will ever find. However, you can find these cowrie shells if you know where to look. But be ready to spend at least a thousand dollars to get your hand on it!
How to use cowrie shells for money
Cowrie shells are rare. You can only find them in some places, no matter which beach you visit or how many places you travel. In fact, because of their rarity, the people of ancient Egypt, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, China, Borneo, and some parts of Africa used them as currency.
So, they have a history of being used as a form of currency. They are longer used as legal tender as every country now has currency. But they certainly still have use for making money.
Here’s how to use cowrie shells for money:
Traditional currency
Cowrie shells were used as a currency but were much more than that. In the traditional sense, if you have plenty of cowrie shells in your possession, you have trade power. Since black history and cowrie shells are gravely related to each other, they are also historically valuable.
Decorative items
You can use cowrie shells to decorate your interiors. Whether you need to make an attractive neckpiece or earpiece, handcrafted items, or any form of artwork – cowrie shells are here to save the day.
Collectables
If you find plenty of cowrie shells, you can sell them to make money. If you have a collection of cowrie shells, and they are in good condition, then don’t worry. There are plenty of seashell collectors out there who would be extremely eager to buy some from you.
Cowrie shell identification
So, where are cowrie shells found? Now you know the answer to this question. But do you know how to identify one?
A cowrie shell identification is simple. Cowrie shells are uniquely shaped. They are mostly oval-shaped with a flattened underside. Some cowrie shells are small, while some are bigger than the average.
They have a shiny, smooth, and polished surface. However, they come in a variety of colours and patterns. Some species are white, such as the white-toothed cowrie shells, while others can sometimes be brown, yellow, or purple.
Here’s what to look for when trying to identify a cowrie shell. Always look for patterns. There could be lines, spots, or detailed designs on the shells’ upper surface.
Another important aspect to look for is the opening of the shells. Cowrie shells have narrow openings with sometimes tooth-like shapes. Since they are made of Calcium Carbonate, so they are not heavy.
While diving in the ocean or just walking through the beaches, you might come across cowrie shells. Keep these descriptions in mind, and you will have no problem identifying one.
Spiritual meaning of cowrie shells
Several African tribes consider cowrie shells significant for fertility. They look at the split in the shells like they represent the female vulva. The vagina gives life and is referred to the Giver or Elixir of life. So, adorning cowrie shells as jewellery around hips is believed to aid fertility. Many believe cowrie shells bring good luck and protect people from evil forces. There are some tribes that use these during ceremonies.
Final Thoughts
This article on ‘where are cowrie shells found’ talked about the history of cowrie shells, where to find them, and why they are still valuable. If this discussion has intrigued you, then get on a journey to find some. Let us know in the comments below where you found cowrie shells.
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