Yapese stone money

Yapese stone money, known as "rai," consists of large, carved limestone disks that served as a form of currency on Yap Island in Micronesia. These stones range from small to massive, some over 12 feet in diameter, and are valued based on their size, history, and craftsmanship. Interestingly, the stones are often not transported physically for transactions; instead, ownership is recorded communally, making the value more about social acknowledgment than physical transfer. This system reflects a complex social and economic structure where the worth of the stones is rooted in tradition, collective memory, and social alliances.