Prior to the establishment, by European colonial powers, of a modern monetary system in Africa, the most widespread currency in the region was gold, most often in the form of gold dust. However, for purchases for which gold was much too valuable cowrie shells were adopted as the common currency for everyday use. As cowrie shells are not native to West African waters they were brought from the Indian Ocean in East Africa. The cowrie shells used to make these belts are the real thing, not fake manufactured reproductions. This version of our belts, made in Burkina Faso, West Africa, is available in 7 colors: black, red, smokey gray, copper, purple, green, natural tan (beige) in a range of waist sizes which are somewhat adjustable using the traditional leather thong tie closure. The edges are finished unlike others we have with unfinished edges. Belt lengths vary from 27 to 38 1/2" (69 - 98 cm)