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. Although they are now no longer of any use as currency they remain esthetically pleasing to Africans for embellishment of many items they use.

The cowrie shells used to make these belts are the real thing, not fake manufactured reproductions. These are fine, uniform, selected quality shells which transform this extraordinary belt into a unique version of the genre. Another extraordinary aspect of this belt is the leather interior finishing. Only in Mali has this quality ever been available. The overall length, including the ball and loop closures at the ends, is 36" (91 cm); the shelled area varies from 26 to 27" long (66 - 69 cm). They are somewhat adjustable using the traditional leather ball & loop closures. It is approximately 2" wide (5 cm),