The Semantic Transformation of the Cultural Significance of the Cowry in the Cameroon Grassfields

Abstract

The cowries have a very long history in the Grassfields of Cameroon. This emblematic object that was once used as legal tender in this area is a very invaluable element of cultural identity and social stratification. When this object ceased to be used as money, it was and is reserved for the royalty where it was and is being used to demonstrate their authority. It was also used in ritual and divination. The cultural meaning of this object continuous to change, thereby making it to lose its original functions. Today, it is used to play more social functions and by just anyone who can have money to purchase. As the days go by, original cowries are fast disappearing, giving way to artificial ones. This change noticed in cowries is an indicator of socio-cultural changes currently on going with many cultural elements in the Grassfields and in Africa in general. The more time passes, the more their functions change. The question which arises therefore is ‘what are the changes that have taken place in the significance and use of cowries in the Grassfields’? This paper explores how the Grassfields people perceive cowries, their functions and change in their use. Both the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections were used to gather information for the paper. The data collected was analysed and interpreted using the theories of cultural evolution and functionalism.