# cowrie currency

> historical currrency

**Wikidata**: [Q115706729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115706729)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cowrie-currency

## Summary
Cowrie currency was a historical currency used as a medium of exchange, primarily made from cowry shells. It was employed in various cultures and regions, including the Yangshao culture in China and the Songhai Empire in Africa. The cowrie shell served as a form of money due to its durability and widespread availability.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: Cowry shell, cowry money, cowry shell money, cowrie shell money, porcelaine-monnaie
- **Instance of**: Coin type, currency
- **Related to**: Yangshao culture, Songhai Empire, Ghana cedi, Longshan culture
- **Sitelink count**: 2
- **Commons category**: Cowry money
- **Wikipedia languages**: Commons, de
- **Concepticon concept set ID**: 3663 (qualifier: COWRIE SHELL)
- **Description**: Historical currency

## FAQs
**What is cowrie currency?**
Cowrie currency refers to a historical form of money made from cowry shells, which were used as a medium of exchange in various cultures, including the Yangshao and Longshan cultures in China and the Songhai Empire in Africa.

**How was cowrie currency used?**
Cowrie shells were used as currency due to their durability and widespread availability, serving as a practical and portable form of money in different historical contexts.

**Where was cowrie currency primarily used?**
Cowrie currency was primarily used in regions associated with the Yangshao culture, the Songhai Empire, and other archaeological cultures like the Longshan culture.

**What other currencies is cowrie currency related to?**
Cowrie currency is related to the Ghana cedi, another historical currency, and shares connections with archaeological cultures such as the Yangshao and Longshan cultures.

## Why It Matters
Cowrie currency played a significant role in early economic systems by providing a standardized and portable medium of exchange. Its use in cultures like the Yangshao and Songhai Empire highlights its importance in trade and commerce. The cowrie shell's durability and availability made it a practical choice for monetary transactions, influencing the development of later currency systems.

## Notable For
- Served as a medium of exchange in multiple historical cultures, including the Yangshao and Songhai Empire.
- Used cowry shells due to their durability and widespread availability.
- Related to other historical currencies like the Ghana cedi and archaeological cultures such as the Longshan culture.
- Employed in trade and commerce, influencing the development of monetary systems.

## Body
### History
Cowrie currency was used as a form of money in various historical contexts, including the Yangshao culture in China and the Songhai Empire in Africa. The cowrie shell's durability and availability made it a practical choice for monetary transactions.

### Related Entities
Cowrie currency is related to the Yangshao culture, an archaeological culture, and the Songhai Empire, a former state in western Africa. It is also connected to the Ghana cedi, the currency of Ghana, and the Longshan culture, another archaeological culture in China.

### Classification
Cowrie currency is classified as a coin type and a currency, reflecting its role as a medium of exchange. It is also associated with the concept of cowry shells in broader cultural and economic contexts.

### Cultural Significance
Cowrie currency holds cultural significance as it was used in trade and commerce, influencing the development of monetary systems in different regions. Its use in cultures like the Yangshao and Songhai Empire highlights its importance in early economic practices.

### Wikipedia Presence
Cowrie currency has Wikipedia entries in the Commons and German (de) languages, indicating its recognition in academic and cultural contexts. The concept is also referenced in the Concepticon database under the ID 3663, with the qualifier COWRIE SHELL.