144 Shells as evidence of the Migrations. 
quantity of that species called nauplius”), “It may, 
however, be a different commodity.” As cowries are an 
article of commerce on this coast to-day, the suggestion 
naturally presents itself of interpreting the term as a 
reference to shells (? cowries) intended for ornament. 
In Uganda, cowries have been a recognised form of 
currency from an early date. According to the Rev. John 
Roscoe,” the standard of currency among the Baganda 
was set by the value of the cow. During the reign of 
Suna, he tells us, a cow was sold for 2,500 cowry-shells ; 
a goat for 500; a fowl for 25 ; a large cock for 50; and 
an ivory tusk weighing sixty-two pounds was valued at 
1,000 cowry-shells.” Cooking-pots were priced according 
to size ; a large pot was sold for 200 cowries, small ones 
for 20 or 30 cowries. A milk-pot cost 60 or even 100 
cowries ; a tobacco pipe from § to 10 shells ; and a water- 
pot from 40 to 50 shells.” “ Before the introduction of 
cowry-shells,” Roscoe informs us, “a blue bead (nsinda) 
was used ; this was very rough and badly made, but it 
was considered to be of great value ; one bead was of 
equal value with one hundred cowry-shells. Still earlier, 
before the introduction of the bead, a small ivory disc 
was used, known as saga; one of these discs was valued 
at one hundred cowry-shells. When the cowry-shell was 
first introduced, which was probably in the reign of King 
Semakokiro, two cowry-shells would purchase a woman.” ® 
By these same people cowry-shells have also been used 
from the first in religious and other ceremonies. One 
of the many interesting uses, mentioned by Roscoe, 
is their employment in the decoration of an amulet 
called Lusalo, which partakes of the nature of a fetish, 
7© Roscoe, ‘* The Baganda,” London, 1911. 
74 lhid., p- 456. 
7? Sbid., p. 455 
78 Tbid., p. 457- 
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