What is the spiritual meaning of cowrie shells?
There, the shells are known to bring good luck and to protect the spirit of the wearer, and many tribes use them in spiritual ceremonies. They also are a sign of femininity and fertility, with women often wearing them not only to help them conceive, but to help them give birth safely.
Are cowrie shells good luck?
Just as in Hindu faith, where conch shells and cowrie shells are used in puja, these two types of shells are particularly significant. Because of their association with the sea, which connects distant places, shells are supposed to enhance travel luck as well as strengthen long-distance relationships.
How do you use cowrie shells for divination?
A few cowrie-shell diviners use the shells in this natural state; then the outcome of the throw, for each piece, is either “open” (slit up) or “closed” (slit down). Some modern day witches also use cowrie shell divination, without caring if it is appropriate or not.
What does the shell symbolize in Christianity?
The seashell, especially the scallop, is the symbol of baptism in Christianity. Even the poorest people could fill the small shell, so he always found help along his way. Later, followers of St. James wore the scallop-shell symbol on their hats and clothes and it became the symbol of pilgrimage.
Why do you think cowrie shells were valuable?
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.
What are the uses of cowries?
Cowrie shells have always been highly valued by many African cultures, and have had multiple uses throughout history. They are made into jewelry and hair ornaments, sewn onto prestigious garments, used in religious rituals and as protective amulets, and up until the late 19th century they were even used as money.
What does The Bible say about shells?
“The Bible says that foolish things confound the wise, and shells are foolish things,” Lash says. “People want to know that they are special, that God sees them, knows them by name, wants to be in their lives.”
What is Ifa divination?
The Ifa divination system is applied whenever an important individual or collective decision has to be made. The Ifa literary corpus, called odu, consists of 256 parts subdivided into verses called ese, whose exact number is unknown as they are constantly increasing (there are around 800 ese per odu).
Why did people stop using cowrie shells?
In parts of Africa, people used cowrie shells. But when traders arrived from India, they would not sell their goods for cowrie shells because such shells were abundant in India. To Indians, cowrie shells were worthless. The Greeks were the first to begin minting coins.
What is a cowrie shell used for?
The cowrie shell has many uses and meanings. It has been used as money in many cultures. They are popular for jewelry, and religious accessories all over the world. Found in the Indian Ocean and the Sahara desert. Cowrie shells are especially important in much of ancient Africa. Its influence also spread to China.
What is the meaning of cowrie?
The word Cowrie or Cowry comes from the Sanskrit word kaparda which means small shell. The term is generally used to classify marine snails and gastropod mollusks. Cowries are predominantly found in coastal areas, particularly in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
What does a row of shells on a mask mean?
Rows of shells have been and continue to be attached to masks that symbolize great wealth and the Royals have worn clothes adorned with them for eons. The cowrie shell is an African female symbol.
What does the African cowrie symbolize?
In Africa, and in the Americas, the cowrie symbolized destiny and prosperity. Also thought of as the mouth of Orisha. Believed to have taught stories of humility and respect.