The first evidence for the presence of cowrie shells in Yorubaland especially moneta cowries post-dated the 15 century. As from 1515 onwards, the Europeans who were involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade started the importation of moneta cowries into the coast of Benin.

When was cowries used in Nigeria?

Pre-colonial era/Before 1700-1900s

One of the oldest known forms of currency in African parts is cowries. Cowries per bag were used before bank notes and coins were introduced into the economy.

Did Nigeria use cowries?

In Nigeria, Cowry shell is believed to be the most-widely known pre-coinage currency. There are of course two species of Cowry shell that were used as currency, and their acceptability varied from one area of the country to another. ... Cowrie is known by different names in Nigeria.