Laxmi Kori / Kauri

Laxmi Kori, also known as Kauri or Cowrie, is a type of small shell that has been used historically as a form of currency, ornamentation, and religious symbol in various cultures around the world. Here's a description of Laxmi Kori (Kauri):

1. **Origin**: Laxmi Kori shells are typically found in the Indian Ocean, especially around the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and various coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent. They are the glossy, smooth, and shiny shells of a species of marine snail called Cypraea moneta.

2. **Appearance**: Laxmi Kori shells are small and oval-shaped, resembling a slightly flattened egg. They have a distinctive shiny, porcelain-like appearance, with a dorsal side that is usually glossy and the ventral side being flat and dull. The shells come in various sizes, with the larger ones generally being more valuable.

3. **Historical Currency**: Laxmi Kori shells have a long history of being used as a form of currency. They were widely used as money in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, where they were often strung together in strands for ease of handling. These strands of shells served as a means of exchange in trade and were also used for ornamental and ceremonial purposes.

4. **Ornamental and Decorative Use**: Due to their unique appearance, Laxmi Kori shells have been used for decorative and ornamental purposes. They are often incorporated into jewelry, clothing, and accessories. In some cultures, they are believed to have protective or spiritual significance and are worn as charms or amulets.

5. **Religious Significance**: In Hinduism, Laxmi Kori shells are sometimes associated with the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. As a result, these shells may be used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and offerings to invoke blessings related to prosperity.

6. **Collectibles**: Laxmi Kori shells are also collected as items of historical and cultural value by enthusiasts and collectors. Some people collect them for their aesthetic appeal or historical significance.

7. **Decline in Use as Currency**: While Laxmi Kori shells were once used as a medium of exchange, their use as currency has significantly declined over time due to the adoption of modern forms of money. Today, they are more commonly found as collectibles or used in traditional and cultural contexts.

It's important to note that the use and significance of Laxmi Kori shells may vary from one culture to another and from one historical period to another. They hold historical and cultural importance and continue to be of interest to those interested in numismatics, anthropology, and traditional art and jewelry.