Kula ring
The Kula ring is a ceremonial exchange system practiced among the people of the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea. Participants, known as Kula traders, travel between islands to trade specific items, primarily shell necklaces and armbands. This exchange fosters social relationships and reinforces alliances within the community.
The Kula ring operates on a cycle, where items are passed from one trader to another in a counterclockwise direction. The exchanges are not about acquiring wealth but rather about gaining prestige and maintaining social ties. This system highlights the importance of reciprocity and social cohesion in Melanesian cultures.