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.


Timeline

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

1700s
Fork
Fork

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

1800s
Snuff Bottle
Snuff Bottle

This opaque glass bottle is from China. The landscape scene of trees, flowers and ...

1870s
Whip
Whip

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

1890s
Balafon
Balafon

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

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

Source: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

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