Kula Ring

The Kula Ring is a ceremonial exchange system practiced by Indigenous groups in the South Pacific, such as the Trobriand Islanders. It involves the deliberate, repeated exchange of beautifully crafted, valuable items—like shells and necklaces—between different communities along trading routes. These exchanges foster social bonds, establish status, and maintain alliances, rather than serve purely economic purposes. The Kula Ring exemplifies how gift-giving and reciprocity can be central to social cohesion and cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of relationships and prestige over material gain.