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The Rise and Fall of Cowrie Shells: The Asian Story

The Rise and Fall of Cowrie Shells: The Asian Story This article sketches the rise and fall of the use of cowrie shells in eastern Eurasia from the archaeological period to the nineteenth century. Originating in the sea, especially in the region of the Maldive islands, cowrie shells migrated to various parts of Asia as precious goods in the prehistoric era and later became a commodity and currency. By focusing on their experiences in Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian societies, this article illustrates the significance of these shells in a cross-regional context, analyzes the transformation of their functions over the <i>longue durée</i>, and discusses some local and global issues, such as why cowrie shells failed to develop into a common currency in early China. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of World History University of Hawai'I Press

The Rise and Fall of Cowrie Shells: The Asian Story

Journal of World History , Volume 22 (1) – Apr 10, 2011

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Publisher
University of Hawai'I Press
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 University of Hawai'i Press.
ISSN
1527-8050

Abstract

This article sketches the rise and fall of the use of cowrie shells in eastern Eurasia from the archaeological period to the nineteenth century. Originating in the sea, especially in the region of the Maldive islands, cowrie shells migrated to various parts of Asia as precious goods in the prehistoric era and later became a commodity and currency. By focusing on their experiences in Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian societies, this article illustrates the significance of these shells in a cross-regional context, analyzes the transformation of their functions over the <i>longue durée</i>, and discusses some local and global issues, such as why cowrie shells failed to develop into a common currency in early China.

Journal

Journal of World HistoryUniversity of Hawai'I Press

Published: Apr 10, 2011

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