Snakehead Cowrie Seashells - Monetaria Caputserpentis Premium Craft Collection
Authentic Serpent's Head Cowrie Shells | 1-1.375 Inch Natural Specimens | Perfect for Jewelry Making & Coastal Crafts
$7.00
5 Natural Snakehead Cowrie Shells per package
1-1.375 inches (25-35 mm) size range
Discover the Mystical Snakehead Cowrie Shells
The captivating Snakehead Cowrie (Monetaria caputserpentis), historically known as Cypraea caputserpentis and commonly called the Serpent's Head Cowrie, is a fascinating marine specimen prized for its distinctive pattern that resembles a serpent's head. These enchanting shells feature a smooth, porcelain-like surface adorned with intricate brown markings that create the illusion of reptilian eyes and scales against a pale cream background. Sourced from the pristine waters of the Indo-Pacific region, each Snakehead Cowrie brings ancient ocean magic to your creative projects and collections.
Perfect for Cultural Crafts & Themed Collections:
Mythological Crafting: Snakehead Cowries are ideal for projects inspired by ancient mythology, spiritual practices, and symbolic art due to their distinctive serpent-like pattern:
Handmade jewelry with spiritual and protective symbolism
Ritual objects and ceremonial decorations for meditation spaces
Mythological-themed art projects and storytelling displays
Cultural preservation crafts for indigenous art forms
Educational displays about ocean symbolism in world cultures
Custom shadow box art featuring marine mythology themes
Collector's Fascination: These shells are highly sought after by collectors interested in symbolic marine specimens and mythological connections. Their unique pattern makes them stand out in any collection, often becoming conversation pieces that bridge natural history and human storytelling traditions across cultures.
Cultural Significance: Snakehead Cowries hold deep meaning in various coastal cultures where serpent symbolism represents wisdom, transformation, and protection. In many Pacific Island traditions, these shells were believed to possess protective powers and were often carried as talismans or incorporated into ceremonial regalia for spiritual leaders and healers.
Natural Product Disclaimer:
Unique Ocean Treasures: As authentic marine specimens, each Snakehead Cowrie shell features natural variations in pattern intensity, color depth, and exact dimensions. Minor surface characteristics from their ocean life journey add to their authentic character and tell the story of their natural origins. Our photos show representative examples - no two shells are identical in nature's perfect design.
Color Accuracy Note: Shell colors may appear slightly different on various monitors and devices due to lighting and screen settings.
Global Shipping: We ship worldwide to over 100 countries! International customers welcome for all shell and coral items.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: Covered by our hassle-free return policy. We offer refunds or store credit - your choice.
Wholesale & Cultural Project Orders
Planning a museum exhibit, classroom activities, or large cultural project? Contact Seashell Supply today for special pricing on bulk shells. We offer discounted rates for schools, museums, cultural centers, and educational organizations placing orders for 25+ packages.
The ocean never creates two identical shells, making the one you receive truly one-of-a-kind.
Damaged in Transit: If your shell is damaged during its journey, please contact me within 24 hours of receipt with a photo. I will immediately send a replacement or issue a full refund.
Not as Described: I do my best to represent each shell accurately through photos and descriptions. If you feel your shell is significantly different from what was described, please contact me within 7 days, and we will find a thoughtful solution.
A Note on “Change of Mind”: As each shell is a natural, unique item, I cannot accept returns or exchanges due to a “change of mind.” Please review the photos and dimensions carefully to ensure it’s the perfect “ocean companion” for you.
Every seashell is a gift from the ocean, and I pack each one with the care it deserves, ensuring its safe journey to you.
Preparation Time: I will carefully wrap your seashells in recycled paper and twine within 1-3 business days, making it feel like a personal gift from the sea.
Shipping Method: I use reliable standard shipping and will provide you with a tracking number, so you can follow your shell’s journey.
International Orders: For shells traveling across oceans, please allow a little extra time. Sometimes customs checks can extend their journey.
We are deeply committed to sustainable and ethical practices. All our shells are sourced responsibly—never from live-shelled creatures. We support marine conservation efforts and maintain transparency about our sourcing practices.
Pattern Illusion: The serpent's head pattern on these shells is actually an evolutionary adaptation - the distinctive markings help deter predators by creating the illusion of a dangerous snake's face when viewed from above.
Scientific Evolution: The species was reclassified from Cypraea caputserpentis to Monetaria caputserpentis based on DNA studies, but both names remain in use among collectors and scientists studying cowrie evolution.
Living Transformation: When alive, the Snakehead Cowrie's mantle completely covers the shell in vibrant orange tissue with black spots. The famous serpent pattern only becomes visible after the animal dies and the mantle naturally recedes.
Depth Dwellers: These shells are typically found at moderate depths (15-40 feet) on coral reefs and rocky substrates throughout the Indo-Pacific, where they hide during daylight hours and emerge at night to feed.
Cultural Protection: In many traditional societies, Snakehead Cowries were believed to offer protection against evil spirits and negative energy. They were often worn as amulets by travelers, healers, and spiritual leaders.
Fossil Evidence: Fossil records show that cowrie shells with similar patterning have existed for over 2 million years, suggesting that this distinctive evolutionary adaptation has been successful for millennia in deterring predators and ensuring survival.