Sacred Cowrie Shells [10]

The cowrie shell is known as an object that holds immense spiritual power. It's believed that the shape of the shell resembled a woman's genitalia and that it is associated with fertility, protection from evil spirits, good luck, and abundance.

Because the shells were small, portable, and durable, they served as excellent currency and were almost impossible to counterfeit, appearing in standard weights. King Gezo of Dahomey, now modern Benin, said he preferred cowries to gold for this reason, he would always receive a fair price. A string of cowrie shells. 

As a gift from the Goddess, cowrie shells have long been a symbol of prosperity, material wealth, and good fortune. Magical Power & good luck.

Unlike many shells which are created from the inside out, cowrie shells are created from the outside in, giving the surface its valued smooth and glossy surface.

The Sacred Cowrie Shell (namesake of my Natural Hair Care Ministry~ Cowrie Shell Center...founded over 30 years ago.) found in the islands of the Indian Ocean, was treated with special importance throughout Africa with many uses and meanings. Their shiny, semi-translucent appearance was responsible for deriving the word porcelain, coming from the Italian word for the shells, porcellana. Cowrie shells were used as a form of currency in Africa. They were also used in ancient China, where excavations have found brass and silver carvings of cowrie shells, holding the symbolism for [prosperity] and [monetary value.] The shells also represented a [divine power,] particularly from the [mother Goddess], or [spirit of the ocean.] They were often used to create jewelry or as decorations for many things bringing the [protection] of divine earthly power. In Voodoo, cowrie shells were also used in divination, reading the patterns of the shells brings divining wisdoms to the priests who cast them. Often 16 shells are used, though this varies, for instance 21 shells are used when working with Elegua. Our shells have been ground to create 2 openings as traditionally used, and are great for mojo bags, talismans, jewelry, or other spiritual uses. Sold as three for a dollar, you may customize how many you purchase.