Cowrie Shells and the African Diaspora
Mary Alice Warren Community Center
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
36.0888551, -80.4136128
Venue
Mary Alice Warren Community Center
7632 Warren Pk Dr, Lewisville, NC 27023, USA
Lewisville
Family-Friendly, Free events, Lectures & Speakers
About
Learn how the cowrie shell, which was used as currency throughout Africa as far back as the 14th century, helps anthropologists trace the African diaspora. In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Andrew Gurstelle from Wake Forest University's Lam Museum of Anthropology, will present an interactive lecture on African archaeology and how cowrie shells remain a symbol of culture, fashion, and wealth. There will also be museum objects featuring the distinct shells on display.