In pre-colonial Philippines, makato and cowrie shells were highly valued and had significant social implications. These shells were used as a form of currency, decoration, and ceremonial objects, and their possession reflected a person's social status and economic wealth.
1. Currency and Exchange:
- Makato: Makato shells, also known as golden cowries, were considered a valuable form of currency. Due to their rarity and beauty, they were often exchanged for goods, services, and even land. Makato shells served as a medium of exchange in local and interregional trade, and their value could fluctuate based on supply and demand.
- Cowrie Shell: Cowrie shells, also known as porcelain shells, were also widely used as currency, particularly in coastal regions. While less valuable than makatos, they were still considered a form of wealth and could be used to purchase various items.
2. Social Status:
- Makato: Owning makatos was a sign of prestige, nobility, and high social status. It was common for individuals from the upper classes, such as chieftains, datus, and influential figures, to possess and wear makato shells as adornments.
- Cowrie Shell: While not as highly regarded as makatos, cowrie shells also held cultural significance and were associated with wealth and status. They were often used in personal adornment and decorative purposes by individuals from various social classes.
3. Ceremonial and Ritualistic Objects:
- Makato: Makato shells held spiritual significance and were used in various religious ceremonies and rituals. They were often associated with fertility and were believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. Makato shells also served as valuable offerings to deities and ancestral spirits.
- Cowrie Shell: Cowrie shells were incorporated into rituals, ceremonies, and religious practices, especially in coastal communities. Their lustrous appearance and association with the sea made them significant symbols in spiritual observances.
Overall, makato and cowrie shells were powerful symbols of social status, economic value, and cultural rituals in pre-colonial Philippine societies. Their possession, use, and exchange reflected the social hierarchies, cultural beliefs, and economic systems that existed during that period.