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The first currency of Africa
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Cowry or Cowrie shells were the first currency of Africa, in fact cowry shells were the first global currency. Trade beads also became part of the global trade network as the mastery of glass spread and were used alongside the shells but this will be discussed in a separate post.
Background
Cowries are a group of small to large sea snails which occur in areas with warm water temperatures such as the Maldive Islands. These shells have medium size teeth, not extending across the base. They are heavily margined, with base and margin white and unspotted.
Origin and Use
From 2000 BC in China, under the Hsia Dynasty, cowry shells were used as money during early feudal times and this idea is thought to have spread all over the world reaching Africa soon after through the already established trade between China, India, Europe and Africa (eg the Harrapans mention in the South Asia trade post).
The Ngorongoro Crater burials in Tanzania, excavated by several archaeologists between 1915 and 1969, contained perhaps the oldest cowrie shells known in the archaeological record of the region, as the site dated to have been active around 1000-1 BC.
Cowrie shells have also been found in North, West and Southern Africa preceding the Tanzanian shells by many years.
The earliest document mentioning cowry shells being used as a currency is called the ‘Periplus on the Erythaean Sea’ which was produced in 943 AD by a renowned Arab explorer and merchant El-Masudi.
Interestingly the use of money cowrie shells in southern Africa appears to have occurred after trade and exchange had been established with the foreigners. These shells have been at numerous sites (coastal and non-coastal) all over Africa from West Africa (Nigeria) to Southern Africa (Zimbabwe & South Africa).
Discovery of these shells often help to determine a site's political standing and status, a large volume of these shells at a location usually implies wealth and suggests an active trade network extending to the site, which is part of the reason why scholars believe that foreigners ventured into the African mainland much earlier than initially thought.
Cowrie shells were used for a long time and continued to play its monetary role until the 20th century ( for example in 18th century where you could buy a cow for 2,500 shells), cowrie shells even functioned in the same economy as metal coins. But the financial world has not completely turned its back on this popular currency. Its memory is, amongst others, kept alive in the façade of the Central Bank of West African Countries in Bamako, Mali or… in museums dedicated to money.
To this day cowrie shells are still in use throughout Africa although not as money. The shells are still believed to have occult or supernatural power and so are used in divination, traditional medicine, fertility, ancestor worship and other rituals.
Spiritually, according to African legend, if you are attracted to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. It also represents Goddess protection which is very powerful and connected with the strength of the ocean. Throughout Africa, and South and North America, the cowrie symbolized the power of destiny and prosperity.
They are also used to adorn clothing by various African tribes as shown in the pictures and used for jewellery.
Reference
Using archaeological material to supplement historical evidence - – Burger, E (2004)
https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/site/cowrie.htm https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/shell-money-0011793
https://www.nbbmuseum.be/en/2007/01/cowry-shells.htm
Our Standard Review
Date created: 16 Aug 2024 05:35:06
Critical Evaluation:
The article presents a compelling narrative about cowry shells as a historical currency in Africa and beyond. The arguments are generally coherent, tracing the origins and uses of cowry shells from ancient China to their significance in Africa. However, some claims, such as the assertion that cowry shells were the first global currency, could benefit from more robust evidence or clarification, as this is a broad statement that may require further context or examples. The reasoning is mostly clear, but the article could be strengthened by providing more detailed connections between the historical use of cowries and their cultural significance today. The discussion of cowry shells in spiritual contexts adds depth but may also introduce bias by focusing primarily on their positive aspects without addressing any potential negative implications or controversies. Overall, the ideas presented have real-world implications, particularly in understanding the historical context of trade and currency in Africa.
Quality of Information:
The language used in the article is accessible, making it easy for a broad audience to understand the subject matter. Technical terms, such as "feudal times" and "divination," are not explicitly defined, which may leave some readers confused. The information appears accurate, with references to archaeological findings and historical texts, although the article lacks citations for some claims, which could raise questions about reliability. There are no apparent signs of fake news or misleading information, but the article does not thoroughly explore the ethical implications of using cowry shells in trade and culture. While it presents historical facts, it does not introduce new ideas or perspectives, primarily reiterating established knowledge about cowry shells. However, it does add value by connecting historical usage to contemporary cultural practices.
Use of Evidence and References:
The article references archaeological findings and historical documents, such as the ‘Periplus on the Erythaean Sea,’ which adds credibility to its claims. However, the evidence could be more systematically presented, with clearer citations for each assertion made. For instance, while the article mentions the Ngorongoro Crater burials, it does not provide specific details about the findings or their significance. There are gaps in the evidence, particularly regarding the timeline of cowry shell usage across different regions, which could be better supported with additional references or data.
Further Research and References:
Further exploration could focus on the economic impact of cowry shells in various African societies and how their use has evolved over time. Additionally, examining the role of cowry shells in trade networks beyond Africa could provide a more comprehensive understanding of their global significance. Readers may find it useful to explore literature on the cultural symbolism of cowries in different African traditions and their relevance in contemporary practices.
Questions for Further Research:
- How did the use of cowry shells as currency influence trade relationships between Africa and other regions?
- What archaeological evidence exists to support the timeline of cowry shell usage in different African cultures?
- How do contemporary African societies view the historical significance of cowry shells?
- What are the economic implications of using cowry shells in traditional practices today?
- How do cowry shells compare to other forms of currency used in ancient trade?
- What role did cowry shells play in the social hierarchy of ancient African societies?
- How have modern interpretations of cowry shells changed in the context of globalization?
- What are the spiritual beliefs associated with cowry shells in various African cultures?
- How did the introduction of metal coins affect the use of cowry shells in trade?
- What are the challenges in preserving the historical significance of cowry shells in contemporary society?
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Contributor's Box
Reconnect Africa with its people.
A (somewhat) summarised insight into (mostly) pre-colonial African history 🖤