Wampum

ワンパム ／ wampum　—　Names of money

Beads polished from sea shells. An object for indigenous ceremony, record-keeping, and diplomacy, its role as currency expanded through contact with colonists.

Wampum (belt of shell beads)17th century (the age of trade money)

Beads polished from sea shells by the indigenous peoples of North America. Originally an object for ceremony, record-keeping, and diplomacy, its role as currency expanded through contact with colonists. For a time, it also became legal tender for small amounts in the colonies.

⚠ Whether something is 'money' is determined not by the object itself, but by its use. Wampum is a living example of this.