COWRIE SHELL Woven Money Basket- Vintage Africa

Description

COWRIE SHELL Woven Money Basket- Vintage Africa. Condition is "Used".
CONDITION
- Characteristic for Vintage pieces to have loose threads,  shells,  beads,  broken rattan, dirt from carrying vegetables/ fruit etc. ***Beautiful Rare pieces of Art Woven & Embellished by HAND, Culturally significant to be Treasured!!
Measurenents- 24"top×20"bottom height-7"
Flaws- See all pics *Substantial issues noted
Origin-AFRICA
Age- early to mid 1900's
Cowrie shells were often threaded into bracelets or long strings of forty. For large payments, they were packed into pouches or stored in baskets and weighed to  their value. By the 15th century the shells were widely circulated throughout the world, especially in the Empire of Mali. Europeans recognized the indigenous fondness of the shells, maliciously helping them to be one of the main currencies used in the trade of slaves, gold, and other goods. The cowrie was used in conjunction with silver, gold dust, salt bars, brass and copper rods and manilas, and beads, to fund the transatlantic slave trade.
By the 18th century, cowrie was the currency of choice along West African trade routes. It was a symbol of wealth and power until the 20th century.
Cowrie shells hold great symbolism. Their rounded shape is attributed for their connection to fertility, and the slit where the shell curves inside of itself has been said to look like a black pupil, making it popular as a symbol of protection against the evil eye. Cowrie is a popular West African adornment; for centuries the shell has been used as a protective charm by indigenous tribal warriors and it is incorporated into jewelry, worn in the hair, and used to decorate statues, masks, ceremonial costumes, and baskets.
Many west African communities use cowrie shells as divination tools for traditional spiritual practices. The Yoruba, for example, use cowries in their Merindinlogun divination to ask Orisha spirits for advice. Cowrie shells are believed to be connected to ocean spirits and protection. They are beautiful, and hold powerful meaning to the wearer.
On Feb-09-21 at 23:54:46 PST, seller added the following information:
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