Description

This painting celebrates the cowrie shell, a timeless symbol that transcends borders and cultures. Once used as a form of currency across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Americas, the cowrie shell represents exchange, value, and interconnectedness. Its journey through time tells a story of trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the universal pursuit of prosperity and connection.

Beyond its role as currency, the cowrie shell holds deep spiritual meaning, particularly in African diasporic traditions. It has long been associated with divination, wisdom, and ancestral guidance. In the Caribbean, it continues to symbolize cultural identity and resilience, bridging ancestral heritage with contemporary life.

This artwork invites viewers to reflect on the cowrie shell’s multifaceted legacy—not just as a medium of trade, but as a powerful symbol of shared human history, tradition, and the enduring connection between cultures.