Cowrie shells
Date
1759
Creator
Benjamin Cole (1718 - 1783, British) , Engraver
Object type
Library reference
R62588
Material
Dimensions
height (print): 215mm
width (print): 130mm
width (print): 130mm
Subject
Description
Marine biological studies of various types of cowries, with common names. Nine shells, including the ‘Grande Argus’, the ‘Smallpox’ and others. Figure 4 represents ‘Guinea Money’, presumably the Money cowrie, Monetaria moneta, a mollusc found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The accompanying article states that: ‘4. Is called Guinea Money, being what actually supplies the place of coin among the natives of that coast, in their commercial dealings.’
Plate with an accompanying brief note: ‘Description of Plate XX of Shells’, The Gentleman’s Magazine, and historical chronicle…[edited] by Sylvanus Urban, v.29, (1759), p.428.
Inscribed above: ‘Gent. Mag. Plate XX’. Inscribed below; ‘B. Cole Sculp.’
The accompanying article states that: ‘4. Is called Guinea Money, being what actually supplies the place of coin among the natives of that coast, in their commercial dealings.’
Plate with an accompanying brief note: ‘Description of Plate XX of Shells’, The Gentleman’s Magazine, and historical chronicle…[edited] by Sylvanus Urban, v.29, (1759), p.428.
Inscribed above: ‘Gent. Mag. Plate XX’. Inscribed below; ‘B. Cole Sculp.’
Associated place