Zimbi

Quick meaning: Zimbi is a noun meaning (archaic) A cowrie shell, once used as a form of currency in parts of Africa.

Meaning

(archaic) A cowrie shell, once used as a form of currency in parts of Africa.

Example Sentences

It is true that the inhabitants of Congo do also make use of shells, by them called zimbi, or zinibi; but these are carried to them only by the Portuguese, who are in a manner masters of this great kingdom.

In the kingdom of Congo there is said to be another kind of shell current, called zimbi. Two thousand of these zimbi form a maconti or macinte; and one of the writers on Central Africa some years ago stated that two Flemish knives were deemed worth a maconti; a copper basin, two pounds in weight and twelve inches in diameter, three maconti; a fusee, ten macontis, &c.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include indaba, toque, ichiboo, dewarra, zaire, zumbooruk.

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