Pink Mollusk Money: the Best Kind.

This Wilson Egg Cowrie (Prionovolva wilsoniana) is a beautiful peanut-sized creature. The cowrie shell is secreted by a complex organ called the mantle. Unlike in other mollusks, the cowrie mantle envelops the shell, thus creating the glossy surface. The mantle also varies from species to species with some being smooth and clear while others are covered in long papillae or pustules.

It’s no wonder that cowries have been valued by many cultures around the world. Cowries have been used as currency in ancient China, India, and parts of Africa. Many cultures at some point in time also saw these shells as talismans that could help fertility.

I just think they’re nice to look at 😉