Cowrie Shells

Cypraeidae family

Form: Whole small cowry shells
Unit size: 1 ounce - 15 to 20 shells
Origin: USA

Cowrie shells come from sea snails in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. The word cowry is also often used to refer only to the shells of these snails, which overall are often shaped more or less like an egg, except that they are rather flat on the underside.

The shells of cowries were used for centuries as a currency in Africa. The Ojibway aboriginal people in North America use cowry shells which are called sacred Miigis Shells or whiteshells in Midewiwin ceremonies. Cowry shells were among the devices used for divination by the Kaniyar Panicker astrologers of Kerala, India. Cowry shells are also worn as jewelry or otherwise used as ornaments or charms. They are viewed as symbols of womanhood, fertility, birth and wealth. The symbolism of the cowry shell is associated with the appearance of its underside, as the lengthwise opening makes the shell look like a vulva or an eye.  Therefore it has been seen as sacred to both Love and Sea Goddesses like Aphrodite. Many ritual traditions call for the use of Cowrie Shells.

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