Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson attended today’s Presidential Inauguration wearing a judicial collar decorated with cowrie shells. These shells are powerful symbols of wealth, protection, and femininity. They also have strong ties to African heritage, spirituality, and the ocean’s life-giving energy, making her choice deeply meaningful. Historically, cowrie shells were used as currency by some African cultures and are seen as a sign of wealth. In Ghana, the currency is called Cedi, which is derived from the word for cowrie. They are also used in traditional African divination practices, like Afa divination among the Ewe and Yoruba people, and are thought to bring protection and good luck.