shell sometimes used as money crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find the most accurate and comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "shell sometimes used as money crossword", along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "shell sometimes used as money crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
COWRY: An alternative spelling for the cowrie shell, widely used as currency historically.
6 Letters
COWRIE: The most common answer, referring to the shell of a marine mollusk historically used as currency in many parts of the world.
More About "shell sometimes used as money crossword"
The clue "shell sometimes used as money" almost exclusively points to the COWRIE (or COWRY) shell. These fascinating shells, particularly from species like Monetaria moneta (the money cowrie) and Monetaria annulus (the ring cowrie), played a significant role as a form of currency across vast geographical areas for centuries. Their smooth, durable, and easily recognizable form made them ideal for trade and exchange.
Historically, cowrie shells were used as money in parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They were a stable medium of exchange, often traded in large quantities, and even influenced the slave trade in West Africa. Their value was derived from their relative scarcity in regions where they were not native, and their inherent qualities of being durable, transportable, divisible, and relatively difficult to counterfeit.
Understanding such historical forms of currency can often give you an edge in crosswords, as puzzle setters love to include interesting facts about history, geography, and culture. The cowrie shell is a classic example of commodity money, where the currency itself has intrinsic value, as opposed to modern fiat money.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider historical context: For clues involving ancient or unusual items, think about historical uses. "Shell sometimes used as money" immediately suggests looking beyond modern currencies.
- Check alternative spellings: Many words, especially those with foreign origins or biological names, can have alternative spellings (e.g., COWRIE vs. COWRY). If one doesn't fit, try another.
- Look at letter counts first: If you have an idea for an answer but it doesn't fit the current puzzle's length, check if a similar word or an alternative spelling would match the required number of letters.
- Utilize cross-references: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down your choices for the trickier clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cowrie shells still used as money today?
While their widespread use as official currency has diminished, cowrie shells may still be used in some remote or traditional communities for barter, ceremonial purposes, or as jewelry. However, they are not recognized as legal tender in modern economies.
How were cowrie shells transported for trade?
Cowrie shells were often transported in large quantities by various means, including overland caravans, river boats, and seafaring vessels. Major trade routes facilitated their distribution from their native habitats (primarily in the Indian Ocean) to distant lands where they became valued currency.
What other non-traditional items have been used as money?
Historically, many diverse items have served as money, including salt, tobacco, cacao beans, precious metals, large stone disks (like the Rai stones of Yap), whale teeth, and even tools or weapons. These often appear in crosswords related to historical or cultural contexts.