kula

total prestation

is a melanesian ritual practice whereby the tribes, the sea journeys, the precious objects, food and feasts, were caught in a ring around which they kept up a regular movement in time and space.

Malinowski does not translate the word, which probably, however,means'ring'... andinfactitseemsasifallthesetribes, the sea journeys, the precious objects, the food and feasts, the economic, ritual and sexual services, the men and the women, jwere caught in a ring around which they kept up a regular 'movement in time and space. (mauss 'gift' : 20)

is an aristocratic trading circle reserved for the chiefs and distinguished from everyday exchange.

Kula trade is. aristocratic. It seems to be reserved for the chiefs, who are cmHs oftlie kula fleet and canoes, traders for their vassals (children and brothers-in-law) and, apparently, chiefs over a number of vassal villages. The trade is carried out in noble fashion, disinterestedly and modestly.' It is distinguished from the' straight forward exchange of useful goods known as the gimwali' (mauss 'gift' : 20). It is said of the individual who does not behave in his kula with proper magnanimity that he is conducting it 'as a gimwalV. In appearance at any rate, thtkuJta, hkejhe American podatch, consist in giving and receiying' the donors on one occasion being the recipients on the next. (mauss 'gift' : 20)

is a partnership that provides every man within its ring with a few friends near at hand, and with some friendly allies in the far-away, dangerous, foreign districts.

where "the Kula partnership provides every man within its ring with a few friends near at hand, and with some friendly allies in the far-away, dangerous, foreign districts.

kula, n.All

kula