As a beading dancer I often include beads used in dance, these can be ceremonial or celebratory. I find that there are specific beads that stand out. One particular one is actually a shell and used as a bead.
Cowrie/cowry shells are famous and can be found in many countries. Some countries supply them while others import them. These shells are not only beautiful but have different meanings or functions. Many of you may already know that these shells were used as money many years ago. Since then they have been used largely for making jewellery and accessories.
These shells are used in games, for divination as well as charms. They are often viewed as symbols of fertility, womanhood as well as doors to spiritual portals. A lot of important beadwork in different African countries often have cowrie shells. Their beautiful shape lends itself to a lot of different styles and its off-white colour is perfect for mixing with other colours.
Whether you are just wearing them to accessorise as earrings or for fertility around your waist...truth remains,cowrie shells remain beautiful through time.
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