Cowrie Shells: A History of Money and Meaning on the Atlantic

Join Will Pell for a scholarly overview of the historical role of cowrie shells in economies, politics, culture, and memory in the Atlantic world.

Cowrie shells may appear small and unassuming, but their history reveals a massive impact on trade and locales around the world. Native to the Indian Ocean, these shells have been found at colonial-era archeological sites in Virginia, including Hampton.

In this presentation, Will explores the route that cowries took on their way to Virginia - from their place of origin to Europe and West Africa. By tracing the cowrie’s journey, we can begin to understand its diverse uses and meanings and what those meanings reveal about the societies that held them.

Willow Pell is a museum professional at the Hampton History Museum, where they have worked in education, research, exhibit development, and a variety of other roles for the past eight years. Will studied history and philosophy at Christopher Newport University and obtained their Masters degree in history from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024. Their studies include Virginia history, African American history, and early colonial America, among other topics.

Presented in partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Admission is free to museum members, $5 for non-members. Admission is at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Not yet a museum member? Join today to show your support and save! www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org/membership

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• Next month, 14th June, 07:30 pm, A Juneteenth Pageant - The Play! in Hampton