Yellow Cowrie (Cypraea spurca), Sea shells of Cyprus Thematic Issue, Republic of Cyprus
Dublin Core
Title
Yellow Cowrie (Cypraea spurca), Sea shells of Cyprus Thematic Issue, Republic of Cyprus
Description
During the Middle Ages, the Fulani people of the West African Savannah, used cowrie shells as a form of currency in exchange for gold and slaves, and until the recent past they were still used as change in the markets. Today Fulani and Wodaabe girls wear cowrie shells and beads in long stylishly decorated necklaces when attending tribal ceremonies. Among the tribes of Africa, cowrie shells are considered as symbols of fertility. In the Maasai culture young girls must be circumcised before marriage, and during the healing time they paint their faces with white chalk and wear headbands of cowrie shells. The shells are also worn as bracelets and necklaces to promote fertility. In the Ivory Coast, a Senufo diviner tosses cowrie shells on the ground and by the way they fall he interprets his client’s problems. In consultation with the spirits he then advises his client on what actions need to be taken.
For the Berbers of North Africa, cowrie shells recall the shape of the eye. In jewellery the image of the hand and that of the eye are used to ward off the evil glance and protect the wearer. Cowrie shells are therefore tied to the necks and wrists of children as amulets to protect them against the evil eye. They are also woven into shawls, carved on wedding chests and painted on the walls of houses.
For the Berbers of North Africa, cowrie shells recall the shape of the eye. In jewellery the image of the hand and that of the eye are used to ward off the evil glance and protect the wearer. Cowrie shells are therefore tied to the necks and wrists of children as amulets to protect them against the evil eye. They are also woven into shawls, carved on wedding chests and painted on the walls of houses.
Source
Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus
Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
Publisher
Library of Cyprus University of Technology
Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology
Date
Contributor
Designer: T. Katsoulides
Rights
Απαγορεύεται η δημοσίευση ή αναπαραγωγή, ηλεκτρονική ή άλλη χωρίς τη γραπτή συγκατάθεση του δημιουργού.
Relation
www.cypruspost.gov.cy
Format
TIFF
Language
EL, EN
Type
Identifier
1986-SEA SHELLS-25C
Coverage
35.160417, 33.346556
Provenance
Aspioti - Elka, Athens
Files
Collection
Citation
Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus and Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
, “Yellow Cowrie (Cypraea spurca), Sea shells of Cyprus Thematic Issue, Republic of Cyprus ,” Αψίδα, accessed November 4, 2025, https://apsida.cut.ac.cy/items/show/13296.