Cowrie or cowry (pl. cowries) is the common name for a group of small to large sea snails in the family Cypraeidae. Cowrie shells have held cultural, economic, and ornamental significance in …

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.

Apr 11, 2025 · Discover the history and significance of cowrie shells as both currency and cultural symbol across Africa, Asia, and modern fashion.

Cowrie, any of several marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia (class Gastropoda) comprising the genus Cypraea, family Cypraeidae. The humped, thick shell is beautifully …

Aug 24, 2025 · Cowrie shells, admired for their unique beauty and enduring qualities, are more than mere natural objects. These distinctive shells have captured human fascination across …

Jan 3, 2026 · Cowries graze upon algae or sponge, licking the surface with a rasp-like toothed belt called the radula. The radula is roughly 15% the shell length, a few milimeters wide, and …

Jun 26, 2023 · What are cowrie shells? Cowrie shells are small, smooth shells that have a shiny, porcelain-like appearance and are usually light beige in colour. They possess an elegant oval …

Cowries were once used as currency but today we use them as jewelry, charms or collectibles. Cowrie shells are used in sailors valentines and many other craft projects.

The popular Cowrie Shells, or cowry, has many uses dating back to 1,200 BC and has shown up in the form of money, jewelry and religious accessories. Throughout Africa, South and North …

The Italian term for the Cowry Shell is “porcellana”, referring to the shiny porcelain-like surface of these shells. This order is large and very diverse in shape including snail-like, cowry shaped, …