Ward overlays this contemporary monetary reference with cowry shells, an earlier form of currency found in many cultures, and gives the paintings a distinct patina by pouring and rubbing white rum flecked with gold and silver powder in a ritualistic fashion, producing an ethereal aura much like a Color Field painting. (lehmannmaupin.com)
Even the paintings with cowry (or cowrie) shells remind me that these naturally occurring objects were once instruments of payment. (hyperallergic.com)
we spotted three Tiger cowry shells together, just like our three dive centers in Bunaken, Lembeh & Lembongan! (twofishdivers.com)