the Kula Ring

The Kula Ring is a ceremonial exchange system practiced among the Trobriand Islanders of Papua New Guinea. It involves the reciprocal gift-giving of beautifully crafted shell necklaces and armbands in a circular pattern across neighboring islands. These exchanges are not for personal ownership but serve to build social bonds, establish status, and reinforce alliances. The flow of these items creates a network of relationships, emphasizing social cohesion and cultural tradition rather than economic gain. The Kula Ring exemplifies how gift exchanges can be central to social structure and identity in traditional societies.