SALT-BORN CURRENCY

Acrylic on wood panel

12in x 12in
2025

An open oyster shell reveals a cluster of cowrie shells, symbolizing both hidden abundance and the historic role of cowrie shells as currency in coastal Black communities. The piece reframes still life as a site of cultural wealth and generational inheritance in Black marine culture. What's often overlooked is the quiet labor of harvesting from the sea as cowrie shells were only born from saltwater and were once the original form of currency. This altar made of oyster shells and cowrie shells is an altar to both sustenance and value.