Starting over three thousand years ago, cowry shells, or copies of the shells, were used as Chinese currency. The Classical Chinese character for "money/currency", 貝, originated as a pictograph of a cowrie shell. Cowries were formerly used as means of exchange in India.

Who first used the cowrie shell for trade?

History of the Shell Money. Caravans of Arab traders were probably the first to introduce the cowrie shell into West Africa, possibly as early as the 8th century. By the 15th century the shells circulated as money, especially in the Empire of Mali.

When and where were cowrie shells first used?

The oldest traces of their use as a currency can be found on bronze objects unearthed in China, dating back to the 13th century B.C. Meanwhile, the Chinese characters for certain words with a strong economic connotation (e.g. money, coin, buy, value) also resemble cowries.

Who used cowrie shells in Black Beauty?

You can decorate your hair with beads or cowry shells for hair. These hair jewelry brings an elegant touch to a simple or more sophisticated hairstyle. This hairstyle has existed for a long time in Africa. Then, it was popularized in the 80s by the singer Patrice Rushen.

Which is played using cowrie shells?

Introduction: Cowrie Shells (Kadi, Kaudi) game is played with 4 small cowrie shells by 2 or more players sitting in a circle. The game is usually played by people of 6 years and above. It is a popular game with village children as well as women but with the changing times it is now an endangered game.

The History of Cowrie Shells

25 related questions found

Is Parcheesi from India?

Parcheesi is based on Pachisi -- a game that originated in India. Basic game rules have players traveling around the cross-shaped board from start to home. ... American game makers, Selchow and Righter, trademarked the Parcheesi name in 1874 after purchasing the game rights in 1867.

Which game is originated in India?

One of the most ancient games that originated in India, Chess was initially called 'Ashtapada'. The game then came to be called as 'Chaturanga' during the rule of Gupta Empire. Persians who travelled to ancient India had picked up the game and named it as 'Shatranj'.

Where are cowrie shells found UK?

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

The arctic cowrie is found mainly on the north and west coasts of Britain and around Ireland. It is most common where its ascidian prey occurs.

When did Nigeria start cowry?

The first evidence for the presence of cowrie shells in Yorubaland especially moneta cowries post-dated the 15 century. As from 1515 onwards, the Europeans who were involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade started the importation of moneta cowries into the coast of Benin.

Where can I find cowrie shells?

Cowrie shells are often found washed ashore from nearby rocky reefs. Best place to see: Both species can be found all around Britain, especially on western coasts. The Arctic cowrie is more common in the north.

How were cowries used in Africa?

Cowrie shells were traded for goods and services throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and used as money as early as the 14th century on Africa's western coast. In America, cowries appear in spirit bundles, as parts of jewelry, and on clothing, hinting at their use as amulets. ...

Who used cowrie shells currency?

Starting over three thousand years ago, cowry shells, or copies of the shells, were used as Chinese currency. The Classical Chinese character for "money/currency", 貝, originated as a pictograph of a cowrie shell. Cowries were formerly used as means of exchange in India.

Where can I buy cowrie shells in Australia?

"This species is only found in southern Australia, including Tasmania. "In the northern part of its range, it's only in deep water, but down here in the south you can find them washed up on beaches because they live in shallow water because the water is that much cooler."

What is a cowrie in Africa?

The small shells have a long and intriguing history in Africa and for the Black community in general. Cowrie is a small, glossed, porcelain-like shell that's typically light beige. ... In traditional African culture, the small humped, ovate shells hold significant spiritual and even monetary value.

What were cowrie shells used for in ancient Africa?

In ancient Africa, the cowrie shell was used as currency. Because of their light-weight, non-perishable nature, cowries were often threaded into bracelets or long strings of forty for trade.

When did Nigeria stop using cowries?

Colonial era (Early 1900s)

Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia used these currencies. Cowries, being the main currency at the time proved to be much of a competitor to the paper money introduced by the British but by the 1920s, their use had finally fizzled out.

Which country Print Nigeria money?

Naira notes and coins are printed / minted by the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc and sometimes, other overseas companies, and issued by the CBN.

Where are Cowrie shells found in Scotland?

Looking for Cowrie shells, locally known as Groatie Buckies in the North of Scotland. For us, Scotland means family and slow adventures. Many of them happen on the way, or around Mark's family in Caithness.

Where can I get Cowrie shells in Wales?

Beaches for Seashells in Wales

• Newborough Beach (Anglesey)
• Machroes (Llyn Peninsula)
• Shell Island (Gwynedd)
• Ynyslas - North Point (Ceredigion)
• Bullwell Bay (Pembrokeshire)
• Penally Beach (Tenby, Pembs)
• Tywyn Point (Carmarthenshire)
• Swansea Bay - Blackpill.

Where do small Cowrie shells come from?

The cowrie was the shell most widely used worldwide as shell money. It is most abundant in the Indian Ocean, and was collected in the Maldive Islands, in Sri Lanka, along the Malabar coast India, in Borneo and on other East Indian islands, and in various parts of the African coast from Ras Hafun to Mozambique.

What games originated in China?

Traditional Chinese Games

• Cat Catching Mice. This traditional Chinese chase game can cause much screeching and excitement! ...
• Catch The Dragon's Tail. This traditional Chinese game is great fun for the playground. ...
• Catching Seven Pieces. ...
• Chess For Kids. ...
• Chinese Ball. ...
• Chinese Fortune Sticks. ...
• Fingers Out. ...
• Forcing The City Gates.

Who invented chess?

Chess was invented in India around the 8th century. Then it was known as chatrang, and changed over the centuries by the Arabs, Persians and then ultimately the medieval Europeans, who changed the pieces' names and appearances to resemble the English court.

Who invented badminton?

Invented in India in a version called poona. British army officers learned the game about 1870. In 1873 the duke of Beaufort introduced the sport at his country estate, Badminton, from which the game derives its name.