because it was the only thing people in the past could use in stead of trading
Cowrie shells were used as currency in Central Asia and Africa due to their durability, portability, and distinctive appearance, which made them easily recognizable and difficult to counterfeit. Their scarcity in certain regions added to their value, and they facilitated trade across vast distances. Additionally, cowrie shells held cultural significance in many societies, further embedding them in economic practices. This use of cowrie shells reflects the diverse ways societies have historically adapted materials for trade and value exchange.
During the Shang Dynasty, cowrie shells were primarily used as a form of currency and trade. Their rarity and unique appearance made them valuable as a medium of exchange. Additionally, cowrie shells held cultural significance and were often used in rituals and divination practices, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. They played a crucial role in the economy and social practices of the time.
Ghana officially stopped using cowrie shells as currency in 1896 when the British colonial government adopted the British West African pound as the legal tender. Cowrie shells had been used in trade for centuries, but with the introduction of modern currency, their use diminished significantly. By the early 20th century, cowries were largely phased out and replaced by coins and banknotes.
Cowrie shells are small, smooth, glossy shells that were once used as a form of currency and adornment in various cultures around the world. They are often considered symbols of wealth, fertility, and protection. Today, cowrie shells are also popular in jewelry and crafts.
The money used by various cultures, particularly in the Pacific Islands, was often made from cowrie shells. Cowrie shells were valued for their durability, beauty, and relative scarcity, making them an effective medium of exchange. In some regions, other types of shells were also used, but cowries became the most widely recognized form of shell currency. These shells facilitated trade and economic transactions in many societies.
Cowrie shells are often used in traditional African rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of wealth, beauty, and spirituality. In some cultures, they are believed to have magical properties and are used for divination. Makato cowrie shells specifically may hold significance within a particular cultural context or tradition.
Before money (coins and notes) people uses barter to trade goods. They also had forms of money too though. These included:shellsfursteethweaponssilverHowever shells was the most common. Cowrie Shells in China were probably the first form of money ever used.
The Shang dynasty used a variety of items as money, including cowrie shells and bronze objects. Cowrie shells were particularly valuable due to their rarity and durability, while bronze items, such as tools and weapons, were also used in trade. Additionally, the Shang developed a system of weights and measures to standardize transactions. Overall, their monetary system reflected the needs of their complex society and economy.
Another name for bead money is "cowrie shells." Cowrie shells were historically used as a form of currency in various cultures around the world due to their durability and distinctive appearance. They were particularly prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Rat turds. ~ There were many forms of currency before coins and paper money came about. Barter was the first form of trade and is still used commonly today. Barter is the trading of items such as cattle or crops. For example: If you wanted 5kg of apples you would trade 5kg of Bananas. Get it? Cowrie shells, used in ancient china as a type of currency, became so important that the Chinese word for money had the word for Cowrie in it as well. There are also many others you can search up such as metal money, shekels, wampum and the leather banknotes.
I'm not familiar with a "Freytag pyramid of Makato and cowrie shell." The Freytag pyramid is a dramatic structure used to map the rising and falling action in literature, while cowrie shells are used historically as currency or for decoration. If you could provide more context, I'd be happy to help further.
The value of a cowrie shell can vary widely depending on factors such as size, condition, rarity, and historical significance. In general, cowrie shells are no longer used as currency but are often traded as decorative items, jewelry, or collectibles. Their value can range from a few cents to several dollars per shell.