China - Round & Domed Shell Imitation Cowrie

November 2024

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T. P. Collection. An unusual type that still shows traces of having been coated in red ochre at one time. Archeological finds of pre-human homonims found in South Africa include chunks of red ochre and ochre covered bone remains. I can imagine this was done to symbolically re-animate the dead with red blood-like color. This example is 33 - 37 mm and 7.9 g. Hartill # 1.2 (except shell rather than bone).

Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD:
The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls: [ link ]
Cowries - Bob Reis: [ link ]
Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: [ link ]
Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: [ link ]
Nice Video on Cowrie history: [ link ]
An excellent article in ANA's "Numismatist" magazine, Oct 2017 > [ link ]
SEE how far back in time decorative sea shells were important to prehistoric man at his : [ link ]
Interested in Primitive Money? Then check out this YouTube video created by Kagins Auctions featuring Bob Leonard and Charles Opitz upon the massive sale in March 2021. Click this: [ link ]