Flat Crystalized Bone or Jadeite Cowrie - China

April 2025

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Another bone cowry with two small holes and clear-cut grooves. The structure is such that, although it was acquired as a bone cowrie imitation, I thought at first it must be stone. The translucent quality of the material gives that impression. The feel and closer examination reveals that it is more like crystalized bone. After further examination, there's a good chance this is actually a flat jadeite imitation cowrie.
48.5 x 28 x 3 mm

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 ]