Cowrie shells originate from the sea. In Nso' as in most of the Western Grassfields of Cameroon cowries were used as a medium of exchange. In other words people used cowries as money. It was commonly used to pay bride price for a would-be wife, buying of slaves etc. To me cowries signify wealth. In the Western Grassfields, it is common to find wives of Kings (Fons) wearing cowrie rings on the legs or arms. Cowries are also used in designing costumes for masqueraders especially in the West Province. Bamileke art, which is highly decorative, makes great use of cowries. Stools of Kings (Fons) are sometimes adorned with cowries as well as some of their gowns. Cowries are also much used by sorcerers and diviners. To a Cameroon grassfielder, the cowrie is a precious item. In Kumbo town, cowries are becoming very scarce. In the Kumbo main market (wai Mbve) a single cowrie shell sells for at least 25 Frs CFA.