Mali Cowrie Shell Necklace.
is the arrangement of the shells. A unique piece of African beaded necklaces. 100% handmade.These are a modern modification of the traditional Necklace which were worn by both men and women for protective purposes, as well as personal adornment. I had the Malian artisans who made the Necklace larger for us to wear as chokers. The shell Necklace would have contained items of medicinal or spiritual value that would have protected the wearer from whatever he or she considered to be threatening them.
In the 18th century, the tiny mollusc became a popular form of currency within the Mali empire, leading it to be the most preferred form of money along the route of West Africa. Some of the reasons for its popularity included its lightweight and non-perishable nature, as well as its difficulty in being forged for centuries. It was a universal form of currency whose relevance weaved into the cultural fibre of Ancient African societies.
The durable and lightweight characteristics of the shells made them an ideal trading currency long before the world adopted pounds, dollars, or any other form of paper/coin currency
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£100.00Price
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