Written by Alika
In recent years, the humble cowrie shell has undergone a remarkable transformation, captivating the world of pop culture. From being intricately woven into African braided hairstyles to adorning traditional African-inspired headpieces, cowries have become a symbol of beauty and cultural appreciation. However, beyond their fashionable appeal, these shells hold a rich history and significance that transcend mere ornamentation, making them an intriguing subject of exploration.
The cowrie shell is one of pure beauty. The colour of the shell varies from shell to shell. Some can be yellowish brown to greyish, sometimes with some obscure spots, others are creamy white, and some are chrome-orange with a yellow lemon base. The shells are considered to be royalty among other shells because they do not need man's touch for their beauty to be seen; they have a natural beauty in themselves.
THEIR HISTORY
The cowrie shell was found in between the 19th and 20th century. Found in the Indian Ocean, the shells used to be shipped from Maldives to Africa to be used as a form of commerce and trade. Until the 16th century, the cowries had to be transported across the Red Sea, to North Africa, and across the Sahara Desert to reach West Africa. The trip would take one year, meaning their supply was limited. Despite that, they used to be a driving currency behind the slave trade in the Western part of Africa and served as a symbol of social and political status across Africa.
Once the slave trade began to dwindle down, it was soon revitalized around 1819 when European traders started to export huge quantities of palm oil from West Africa, for which African producers and traders demanded to be paid in cowries. Cowries were regularly used in low-value transactions, but could also be assembled in great quantities - in the tens and hundreds of thousands - for major transactions.
THEIR UTILIZATION As mentioned before, Cowries were used as a form of currency in Western Africa. As cowries had a very low unit value, they were also particularly suitable for being used as currency in places where prices and incomes were very low. Possessing cowries became crucial for the acquisition and display of social and political status across Africa. They would also be used in rituals and in making ornaments and artistic objects. In rituals, they hold religious and spiritual significance, often used in divination, protection against evil, and initiation ceremonies. Additionally, cowrie shells are employed in creating diverse ornaments, including jewellery, clothing embellishments, hair accessories, and home decor. Their natural beauty and cultural symbolism make them a vital element in preserving cultural heritage and traditions across different societies.
Today, cowries are no longer used as currency in Africa, but they remain symbolically important: They are still used in rituals, and in making ornaments and artistic objects. They still hold a significant role in the African society. In fact, the national currency in Ghana is the cedi, which means "Cowrie" in the Akan language. And if you look closely at the facade of the Central Bank of West African States tower in Cotonou, Benin, you will spy an interesting decoration: cowrie shells.
THEIR LOCATION AND HOW TO FIND THEM
As of today, they are mostly widely spread throughout the East African coast and can be obtained through dredging or trawling.
(Dredging: Dredging is the process of removing sediment, mud, or debris from the bottom of bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or harbors, to make the water deeper or to extract valuable materials like sand or minerals.
Trawling: Trawling is a method of fishing where a large net, called a trawl, is dragged through the water behind a fishing boat. The net scoops up fish and other marine life from the water, which are then collected and sorted on the boat.)
With all that, you would be shocked to find that collecting shells from the Indian Ocean shoreline in Kenya is illegal and you can be fined up to 50,000 or more, and you may even face one year of imprisonment.
THEIR UTILIZATION IN TODAY'S SOCIETY
Cowrie shells, with their rich history and cultural importance, continue to be relevant today. They are used in jewellery, clothing, home decor items, and various spaces of fashion. It is not uncommon to find the cowrie shell used as an adorning piece in a model's hair, clothing, and even accessories. The significance and use of cowrie shells vary widely from one culture to another, and their meaning has evolved over time. Also, their use in modern society is often more decorative and symbolic than practical.
CONCLUSION
Cowrie shells, once a symbol of wealth and power, have evolved into a cultural icon. From their historical significance as currency in West Africa to their continued presence in rituals and art, cowries continue to hold a special place in African culture and beyond. Their journey from the deep waters of the Indian Ocean to the fashion runways and cultural practices of today is a testament to their enduring allure.
Written by
Alika
Sources:
Comments