CultureAugust 29, 2026

cowrie

KOW-ree

Definition

A small, glossy, porcelain-like marine snail shell that was historically used as a form of currency in parts of Africa and Asia.

Etymology

The word originates from the Hindi 'kauri' and the Sanskrit 'kaparda', referring to the shell used as money in the Indian subcontinent before spreading to other regions.

In the news

The article uses the term to explain the naming and symbolic inspiration behind Estree’s activewear brand, KOWRI, which draws on the shell's historical association with wealth and value.

House Of Estree reimagines Ankara through modern tailoring @ 16th AFWL

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian Nigeria News

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