Cowrie shells have a long, layered history that stretches far beyond their recent resurgence in home decor. Long before they appeared on coffee tables, wall hangings, or sculptural objects, cowries ...

Money cowrie’s were “highly valued by many African cultures” and even used as currency, according to the Carlos Museum at Emory University. City of Boston Archaeology Program photo Finding a Pacific ...

When the spiraled white shell of a precious wentletrap was sold at auction in 1750, the highest bidder was none other than the Holy Roman Emperor, who shelled out no less than 4,000 guilders for the ...