At another stand, a jewelry designer, perhaps with history in mind, had worked cowrie shells — used as money on West Africa’s coast as early as the 14th century, historians say — into attractive necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings.

Source: https://www.philasun.com/local/germantowns-juneteenth-festival-draws-eager-crowds-arouses-mixed-emotions/

It might come as a surprise that cowrie shells, also spelt cowry, were not created by Africans or the English.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/the-origin-story-of-cowrie-shells-their-significance-and-symbolism/whty4xx