Maritime Melting Pot - Indian Ocean Cultures

Barter, as a means of trade, has existed since ancient times. However, what would you do if you wish to accumulate credit for future trade, or you wish to demonstrate your inherent wealth? The answer, found in communities all over the world, was the creation of money. The use of these cowries, species Monetaria moneta, for exchange goes back to at least 3,000 BCE in China. They were used as currency all around the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions until minted coinage and banknotes were introduced in the 1700s and 1800s. Speaking of which, when British authorities in Orissa, India, had them replaced by cash in 1805, a rebellion broke out! Mind you, you had to have had 3840 cowries to exchange for just one rupee. They are still legal tender in parts of Papua New Guinea, where they can be exchanged for Kina. 

Tiger Cowrie shell.
Credit: WA Museum Collections