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IN SUMMARY...
1. What is a cowrie? |
The cowries are well known, especially in esotericism. Also known as money cowries or lucky cowries, their natural aesthetic and distinctive shape make them highly valued objects. Cowries have also been used as currency and ornaments before becoming divination tools. An overview.
1. What is a cowrie?
The term "cowrie" mainly refers to the shell of the animal, but it is often used to designate both the shell and the animal that produces it.
The animal that produces the cowrie shell belongs to the family Cypraeidae, in the genus Cypraea. This gastropod mollusk is a marine organism with a soft body protected by a hard, smooth shell. Like all gastropods, it has a muscular foot used for movement and a head with tentacles.
The cowrie shell, often simply called "cowrie," is recognizable by its oval shape, smooth and shiny surface, and its toothed opening that protects the animal from predators.
2. The brief history of cowries
2.1. A shell from the Maldives
Cowries, especially shells of the species Cypraea Moneta, originate from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, notably around the Maldives islands. These shells, recognizable by their smooth, rounded shape and toothed opening, have fascinated humans for millennia.
The Maldives were the main source of cowries for centuries. Maldivian traders collected these shells in large quantities and exported them to India, Africa, and beyond. The cowrie trade route crossed the Indian Ocean, reaching East African markets, from where they were transported across the African continent.
Over time, cowries were also found and used in other regions, including Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of the Americas. Their geographic distribution was largely facilitated by trade networks and cultural exchanges between different civilizations.
2.2. Then a currency in Africa...
West Africa is probably the region where cowries had the greatest impact as currency. From the 11th century, cowries were introduced to West Africa via trans-Saharan trade routes. They were exchanged for gold, ivory, and other precious goods due to their great durability (layers of calcium carbonate) and precious appearance.
Cowries quickly became the main currency in this region, facilitating local and international trade. Powerful kingdoms like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai adopted cowries as official currency. West African markets were often flooded with cowries, which were used to buy goods, pay taxes and fines, and settle debts.
2.3. ...And in Asia
In China, cowries were used as currency long before metal coins were introduced. Their use dates back to the Neolithic period (around 3000 BC), where they served in trade exchanges. Cowries were valued for their uniformity and durability, and their small size allowed for easy transport and storage.
Over time, cowries were imitated in metal to create coins, the bi shaped like cowries, which were used until the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC). These coins marked an important transition to more advanced monetary systems, but shell cowries continued to circulate in some rural areas.
The use of cowries as currency began to decline with the arrival of European colonists in Africa and Asia. Europeans introduced metal currencies, which gradually replaced cowries due to their superior durability and ease of use. However, cowries continued to be used in some isolated regions and local transactions until the early 20th century.
3. Cowries as a divination tool
The use of cowries in divination comes from African traditions, although similar practices exist in other cultures. The peoples of West Africa, in particular, developed complex divination systems using cowries, often within their traditional religions, including Vodou, Ifá, and Santeria (derived from African traditions in Cuba).
The shape of cowries resembles an eye or a vulva, giving the shells connotations of spiritual vision and fertility. The eye is often seen as a symbol of clairvoyance and protection, while the vulva is associated with creation and life. The cowrie is also considered a good luck charm for women.
Cowries are relatively easy to obtain and handle, making them accessible divination tools. Their use does not require complex preparation, allowing a wide range of people to practice divination.
4. Where to buy divination cowries?
One place only: on our online esoteric shop! We offer cowries in sets of 4 for immediate and simple readings. We also explain on the product page how to read and interpret them. You can therefore order them on our site and enjoy fast and discreet delivery!
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