Kula traders
Kula traders are members of a traditional exchange network found in the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea. They engage in the ceremonial exchange of valuable items, primarily shell necklaces and armbands, which are passed between islands in a specific pattern. This trading system fosters social relationships and reinforces community ties among the islanders.
The Kula exchange is not just about the items themselves; it also involves complex rituals and social obligations. Participants gain prestige and status through their trading activities, as the Kula system emphasizes the importance of generosity and reciprocity in maintaining social harmony within the community.