Kauri shells from the Maldive Islands have been found in Egyptian graves that are thousands of years old. As early as the 11th century AD they were imported to West Africa. But it was in the 18th century, when the Trans-Atlantic slave trade increased, that kauri shells began to be traded in large volumes along the western coast. European slave traders brought vast quantities of kauri shells as partial payment for slaves who were then shipped to America. These shells, sustainable, easy to ship and available – but not abundant – formed a stable currency.
In the mid- 1800’s the market was drowned in kauri shells from the east coast of Africa, leading to a radical decrease of the kauri value. The final blow came in the early 20th century when the use of kauri as payment was banned by the European colonial powers. However, in certain places the use of kauri as ceremonial currency and as decoration is still in function.
These objects are from the first half of the 20th century and from different parts of Africa. Some of them were used by religious specialists, others are utensils and headdresses. Kauri shells as decorations have had various implications; they could symbolize femininity, fertility and wealth.