On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Created by
Unidentified
Date
1800 - 1968
Medium
shell , string (fiber product)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1/2 × 1 × 34 1/2 in. (1.3 × 2.5 × 87.6 cm)
Description
A string of cowrie shells. There are sixty (60) tan and yellow colored cowrie shells on a string composed of multiple natural-colored strands twisted together. The shells do not create a distinct pattern and they are oriented on the string in varying positions.
Place used
West Africa, Africa
Maldives, Asia
Collection title
William & Mattye Reed Family Collection
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Jewelry and Adornment
Coins and Currency
Type
money
shell money
Topic
Africa
Beauty culture
Clothing and dress
Commerce
Slavery
Trans Atlantic slave trade
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of William & Mattye Reed
Object number
2014.182.59
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd593e32392-c51d-46de-a8e0-b68846f35455

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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