Double Line Cowrie Shell Vintage Gold Weight Bracelet – Mali

These unusual bracelets are modern modifications of traditional bracelets which were worn by both men and women for protective purposes, as well as personal adornment. The leather, made from goatskin, would have contained items of medicinal or spiritual value which defend the wearer from whatever he or she may consider to be threatening to them. Cowrie shells, prior to European occupation, were currency and so still reflect their former significance. The vintage brass gold weight adds to the beauty of this innovative creation. The clasp for each is the traditional ball and loop style. These cowrie shells are the real thing, vintage shells that for centuries were popular currency in West Africa. The gold weight is also genuine, having been used for as long as gold was the primary unit of currency in West Africa. The sizes do vary but most are approximately 2 1/4″ (5.7 cm) in internal diameter x 7/8″ of leather width (2.2 cm). The cowrie shells’ width increases that width to 1″ (2.5 cm)