Contract for introduction of Maldive cowries into West African trade

A contract for the trade of São Tomé signed between King Manuel and Fernão Jorge on 26 March 1515 stipulated that in each year of its duration Jorge might bring 500 quintals of cowries from India as ballast in ships of the carreira da India, to be used solely for trade with the mainland. This marks the first important introduction of Maldive cowries into West Africa by the Portuguese. The first shipments can hardly have reached São Tomé until 1517 or 1518, but by 1522 cowries had become as important as manillas in Portuguese trade with Benin.