Lot 8413

Western Zhou, 1122-771 B.C. Cowrie shell and substitutes. Inscriptions and archeological evidence show that cowrie shells were regarded as important objects of value in the Shang dynasty (c. 1766-1154 BC). In the Zhou period they are frequently referred to as gifts or rewards from kings and nobles tot heir subjects. Later imitations in bone, stone or bronze were probably used as money in some instances. Mixed collection of c. 24 cowrie shells and substitutes in stone, jade, quartz, etc. in 12 plastic presentation boxes (all with description added). Fine and varied collection