African Cowries
Game Counters
1930's (produced)
1930's (produced)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Cowrie (sometimes spelt cowry) shells are taken from a group of slug-like sea creatures which are found living under rocks in warm seas. The shells have the appearance of porcelain because of their pale colour and polished surface. In the past they were highly prized and sought after for their decorative qualities. In Africa they were used as a form of currency for centuries as well as appearing on ceremonial dress and jewellery.
These cowrie shells were intended for use as game counters and were packed by the famous Chad Valley Company in the 1930's. Shells, pieces of bone and polished pebbles were often used as game pieces before the widespread use of plastics. These counters could have been used with range of games such as Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, and Jacks.
These cowrie shells were intended for use as game counters and were packed by the famous Chad Valley Company in the 1930's. Shells, pieces of bone and polished pebbles were often used as game pieces before the widespread use of plastics. These counters could have been used with range of games such as Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, and Jacks.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Title | African Cowries (manufacturer's title) |
| Brief description | Boxed set of Cowrie shells for use with card games, produced by Chad Valley, England, in the 1930's. |
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Credit line | Given by Norman Andrews |
| Summary | Cowrie (sometimes spelt cowry) shells are taken from a group of slug-like sea creatures which are found living under rocks in warm seas. The shells have the appearance of porcelain because of their pale colour and polished surface. In the past they were highly prized and sought after for their decorative qualities. In Africa they were used as a form of currency for centuries as well as appearing on ceremonial dress and jewellery. These cowrie shells were intended for use as game counters and were packed by the famous Chad Valley Company in the 1930's. Shells, pieces of bone and polished pebbles were often used as game pieces before the widespread use of plastics. These counters could have been used with range of games such as Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, and Jacks. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.141:1, 2-2004 |
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| Record created | March 2, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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