Cowrie shells were recognized as the first pan-regional currency in West Africa and a symbol of wealth/power by native Africans up until the 20th century. Wherever the cowrie shells are found, they almost always symbolize wealth and fertility.  In African legend, a love of cowrie shells shows that you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. According to African legend, the cowrie shells represent the highly powerful Goddess protection as well as being connected with the strength and dense power of the Ocean. Most recently, you can see the majesty and reverence for cowrie shells in the movie, The Woman King, starring Viola Davis.