In recent years, cowrie shell-inspired fashion trends have made headlines on the global fashion stage, prompting many to look back at the origin of cowrie shells and their connection with African culture. 🌍 🌞In the African setting, cowrie shells have different meanings and themes. Cowries are an ancient symbol of prosperity and fertility. They have been used as currency, adornment, and offerings since the dawn of civilization. 🌞In West Africa, they are associated with Mami Wata, the Ocean Goddess and bringer of wealth and good fortune. To this day, they are used in weddings, funerals, traditional ceremonies, art...their uses are countless. 🌞We can adorn our bodies and our instruments with cowries...we can tie them in our hair and sew them on our clothes... they can hang from our ears or necks..some women love to wear traditional African waistbeads with cowrie shells for fertility, they can be given as gifts or offerings...Regardless how we use the shells, one should always keep in mind the significance of the shell. . . 📸: @arnaud_mellah . . . . . . #weekendvibes #africanculture #styleinspo #ootd #stylepost #africanfashion #photooftheday #love #cowrieshells #blackculture #africanfashion #classicdesign #blackownedbusiness #blackexcellence #afronation #summervibes #blackandbeautiful #africanfashiontrends