Cowrie Shells and Cowrie Money

In 'Cowrie Shells and Cowrie Money: A Global History', Bin Yang examines the role of cowrie shells in economic systems from the prehistoric era to the early twentieth century.

The book highlights the cultural and economic connections facilitated by cowrie money in regions such as India, China, Southeast Asia, and West Africa, arguing that cowrie money was the first form of global currency that shaped societies across Afro-Eurasia.

Yang's work bridges local and global historical narratives, providing a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of world history.