Seashell Money
Kauri shells (often cowrie shells) were one of the earliest forms of money used across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific several thousand years ago. Their durability, beauty, and rarity made them a trusted medium of exchange for centuries. They were especially common in Africa and China, where they served as currency for trade, tribute, and dowries.
Eventually, they were replaced by metal coins and paper money, but they remain an important symbol of wealth, status, and cultural heritage. You can eg. see them often as part of bracelets and fashion jewelry.
I found this original Kauri shell in a shop in Weimar two weeks ago. They sold all kinds of Seashells, Butterflies and other exotic stuff. It reminds me of why we need hard money we can trust in.
