Cowrie shells have a long, layered history that stretches far beyond their recent resurgence in home decor. Long before they ...

Global phenomenon, local varieties -- The Maldives: procurement and export -- India: in the beginning -- Southeast Asia: intra-Asian interactions -- Yunnan: an Indian influence in the Southeast ...

Small seashells have many characteristics that make them ideal monetary objects. They are durable, portable, and difficult to imitate. One species of cowrie shell is known as the money shell because ...