In many regions of the world, including Africa, shells have served a widespread form of currency over the centuries, especially when the barter system turned out to be insufficient for more complex economies.
Shells, which are believed, were first used as a means of exchange in Africa in the 13th century, were used for this until the end of the 19th century.
valued for their strength, the complexity of fake and ease of transportation, shells have become a reliable way to make transactions throughout the continent. In addition to their economic role, in various African cultures, they were a symbol of power and prestige.
Even before use as money, shells were appreciated as decorative objects, jewelry and precious stones. Their commercial value depended on factors such as shine, patterns, size, age and quality.
Like today’s American dollar, shells contributed to the development of trade between tribes, communities and royal courts throughout Africa.
In our time, the legacy of the shell currency is preserved, especially in Ghana. In this country, the national currency is called “Wed”, which in the local language means “shell”. Images of shells are also present on some banknotes in Africa, which focuses their historical significance.