Cowrie Shell Disc

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Date:Not Recorded

Description:This is a cowrie shell disc from Nigeria. It is made of a large basketry disc with cowries attached in a spiral. The disk is said to be 'the price of a wife', and it may be part of a Haussa bride's trousseau. The ornate shell disk was brought out to decorate the home on special occasions, and at the wedding.

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A talk on the Haussa People and the Cowrie Shell Disc (27 KB)

Timeline

The timeline shows resources around this location over a number of years.

1700s

Fork

This carved wooden fork is from Norway. It is made from dark wood and dates from ...

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1800s

Snuff Bottle

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1870s

Whip

This Argentinian whip dates from c.1870. The whip is made from leather or hide, ...

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1890s

Balafon

Balafon from Sierra Leone, probably 1890s. The balafon is a percussion instrument ...

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Related themes:

World Cultures West Africa Plant Fibre, Gourd & Seed Nigeria Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum International Haussa Fur, Skin, Leather, Hair & Shell Ethnography Ethnographical Christenings, Weddings & Funerals Births, Marriages & Deaths Basketry Africa

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Donor ref:LEAMG : M3039.1962 (60/12602)

Source: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

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