85 Cowrie Shells Congo

Cowrie shells are small, shiny, and colorful shells that have been used as currency, jewelry, and adornment for centuries. They are the shells of small sea snails found in warm waters around the world.

In many cultures, cowrie shells have been regarded as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. In fact, they were used as currency in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The shells were often strung together into necklaces, bracelets, and belts, and worn as jewelry by both men and women.

In African cultures, cowrie shells were particularly important. They were believed to have the power to connect the living with their ancestors and the spirit world. In some West African societies, they were used in divination and other spiritual practices.

Cowrie shells also played a role in the slave trade. European traders used them as a form of currency to purchase African slaves, and slaves were often forced to wear cowrie shell bracelets and necklaces as a sign of their servitude.

Today, cowrie shells continue to be used in jewelry-making and other forms of decoration. They are also popular among collectors, who value them for their beauty, history, and cultural significance. Despite their long history, cowrie shells remain a timeless symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

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