BOHO COWRIE SHELL BASKET BOWL

A WONDERFUL ARTISTIC COWRIE SHELL BASKET BOWL.
 
Cowries are seashells and are found in the Indian Ocean, the Maldaice Islands, Sri Lanka, and along the coastlines of Africa. This family comprises of some 200 species of cowries.

These small creatures date back to the dinosaur age. They have a hard but smooth surface, formed by the mantle which secretes calcium carbonate. An animal lives inside this shell and covers the outer range of the shell with its body. This creature secretes pigments that form the colorful and beautiful patterns on the shell.

History records show that these shells were used as currency in many parts of the world such as Africa, India, and China. However, the problem with the use of cowrie shells as money was that it was not acceptable by Indian traders. An abundantly available material tends to lose its intrinsic value. These seashells were also used to make jewelry and ornaments.

Wherever the cowrie shells are found, they almost always symbolize wealth and fertility. Cowrie shells are known to bring good luck and to protect the spirit of the wearer, and many tribes use them in spiritual ceremonies.
 
SIZE 12CM DIAMETER 9CM HIGH 
 
Condition: IN GOOD CONDITION.
 
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