My wife, Kay Gebhardt has this strange looking Money Tree on display in our home. It is about 13" high and is made up with hundreds of Cowrie Shells, known as Cyprea Moneta. These shells were used as currency or a medium of exchange, centuries ago. They are sewn together by natives in the South Sea Island of Micronesia in the South Pacific to form this ornimental Money Tree. Today they are used as necklaces or dress mantles by women on festive occasions. The Cyprea Monetas are still used as currency in the country of Sudan.