Cowrie shells small

In a lot of traditions all over the world the cowrie shell holds important symbolism. For example; because of its resemblance to female bodyparts, it finds its way in all kinds of ceremonial and ritual work surrounding the feminine, fertility, pregnancy and giving birth. For those purposes, and many others, it is sewn on all kinds of textiles, ritual clothing and attributes.

Also their usage as a currency goes back into the depths of time. Evidence is found that even centuries before the start of our western calendar, cowrie shells were used as a means of payment in China and, within the era’s of Western European merchants, this use found its way all over the world. Some of the scientific names of cowrie shells still remind us of those times, like ‘cypraea moneta’ or ‘monetaria moneta’.

In the Netherlands yet another traditional use of cowrie shells is known; they were used in different games and then had local names like ‘keutsjes’, ‘varkjes’ or ‘zeugjes’.

In traditional shamanism, such as the lineage of Spirit of Wolf, the use of cowrie shells dates back to the times of the Silk Route. With the merchants, the cowrie shells came to Siberian regions and were seen as a very valuable currency; one cowrie shell bought you a sheep, and three a young bull. 

In those days, a shaman was paid for his services with all he could possible need for his daily life, such as food and clothing, and therefore had no need to use the cowrie shells that came into his hands as a currency. They were instead sewn on his clothing as an honor to material values and from there quickly also became an amulet, talisman or other spirit house.

Cowrie shells can be sewn on your ritual clothing or attributes both horizontally and vertically; representing a mouth or an eye of the spirit. Another familiar use is to keep 3 cowrie shells in your wallet to attract financial prosperity.

These cowrie shells come to us via our friends at Shaman Bazar. They are approximately 1,5-2,0 centimeters long) and are sold per set of 10 pieces.