Cowrie Shells
Definition
Small shells obtained from marine mollusks that were widely used throughout history as currency in various parts of the world.
Related terms
Barter System: An old method of exchange where goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange such as money.
Commodity Money: A type of money whose value comes from the commodity out which it is made.
Currency System: The system by which a country's money supply is managed.
"Cowrie Shells" appears in:
Study guides (1)
AP World History: Modern - 2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes
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About Us
About Fiveable
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Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.