Magical and monetary shell of cauri

In this article we will consider such an amazing subject as the shell of a cowrey. What magical properties she is endowed with, the symbol of which is, and what interesting facts associated with this shell, contains history.

Seashell

In the mythological representations of many peoples of the world, the sea shell is identified with the feminine principle. This is largely due to the external similarity of the shell and female external genital organs. This symbolism gives the mollusc a connection with such concepts as fertility and conception. The sea depth from which the shell originates also symbolizes the origin of all forms. Coming from the water, imbued with its memory, energy and knowledge, the sea shells carry a powerful magical charge. Shells, along with marine life and pearls, are attributes of the water goddess - the goddess of fertility.

Cow shells

Among all the other shells of the sea, the cowrie shell has become particularly popular. Its name was given in honor of the goddess Kauri. The shell symbolizes the generating principle of the mother goddess.

As a reviving symbol, the use of these shells began as early as the time of antiquity. And to this day this attribute is appreciated in many countries of the world. In India, for example, the shell is used as a protective amulet against the evil eye. In Egypt and the Middle East, seashells are used as talismans to attract luck, health and fertility. On the islands of the Pacific, cauris is also endowed with a magical power that carries the energy of rebirth.

Cowry (shell). Magical properties

There is another opinion that the use of these shells as amulets originates from the existence in ancient times of the serpent cult. Kauri and the truth has some similarities with the head of this reptile that opened its mouth. Traces of veneration of the snake have been preserved in many peoples, for example, in Central Asia. In the Turks, the shell of the cowry is known as the amulet since ancient times. Very often, this amulet was used to protect children from diseases and evil eyes. For the sake of these purposes, seashells were sewn on children's hats. It was believed that if an evil person wants to "jinx" a child, a cowry will draw his attention to him and hold his gaze, distracting and forcing him to lose his direction and strength.

Shells of cowry as money equivalent

It is known for sure that the cowrie shell was used as a monetary unit in some countries, for example, in China, Africa, Japan, India and others. For the first time as a money, seashells began to be used in coastal areas. This is not surprising, because there they were in abundance. With the development of trade and navigation, the cowry has significantly expanded the range of its "habitat". Her beautiful appearance contributed to the fact that it took root as a monetary unit in many countries around the world. What is characteristic is that with the advance into the interior of the continent, the price of cauri has increased significantly. In Africa, for example, shells could pay for almost any product.

Businessmen of that time noticed such a difference in the course, and used it to enrich themselves. They bought tons of tons of this product, which was then exchanged in West Africa for valuable palm oil. Merchants from England, Holland and Portugal bought shells in India, in order to sell them in Guinea for a triple price.

In Russia, in a non-coin period, the cash shell of kauri was also popular. It was called a snake head, or a millstone. In Azerbaijan, as a monetary unit, the shell was used until the 17th century.

Interesting Facts

During the Second World War, when the Japanese army seized the traditional place of catching kauri - the coast of the Indonesian islands, neighboring Dutch colonies experienced an acute shortage of currency shells. The economic life of the population was practically paralyzed. In order to somehow correct and stabilize the situation, the local authorities decided to start searching for valuable seashells on the Australian coast. The search was futile. And then one of the authorized walkers happened to be at a local department store. Imagine his surprise when he found the desired shells on the shelves of the store as children's toys! Thus, the Dutch voyagers returned not empty-handed. They managed to restore the people's well-being and stability.

Is it possible to forge coughers

Another factor why this shell acquired such popularity as a monetary unit is the lack of the ability to forge it. Why could not the caur shells be faked? Because they have a very complex form. Especially before, people did not have special tools for this. All attempts to make false shells failed. There are shells found in different countries of the world, made of stone, bone and other materials, that there were attempts to forge cauri shells. They were given a form that was as close to the original as possible. However, the fact that this is not real cowry, was visible to the naked eye. Cow shells, photos of which can be seen in the article, are a unique and unique creation of nature.

Conclusion

Unique in their beauty sea shells did not leave indifferent people in ancient times, and to this day.

Their use as a monetary unit, as a talisman against evil eye, illnesses and misfortunes, as well as as ornaments, indicates that this shell was always popular, and at every time fulfilled its mission. Kauri has made a long and interesting journey both in the world of the monetary system and in the world of magic.