Question

What is Kula? What was the purpose of kula? what was traded between the islanders? where in the world did Kula take place, and documented the process?

Answer 1

Kula is a Sanskrit word which means, "community", "clan" or "tribe". Kula is a traditional trade method that takes place in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. The islanders' trade Kula valuables. This Kula exchange takes place on eighteen islands and it involves thousands of people. The valuables that they trade can be in the form of red shells that are traded to the North of islands or in the form of white shell armbands traded to the South of islands. This creates a ring of moving valuables throughout the islands. These kula valuables are mainly traded for social status and recognition in the island region. Kula exchange is based on trust, strong social obligations and the cultural value system.