14. Discuss the Kula Ring of the Trobriand Islands: what is it, how does it function, and what symbolic and practical significance does it have for Trobrianders? (10 Points)
The Trobiand Island is populated by a society who are horticulturalists. The Kula Ring is practiced by Trobiand islanders where they exchange for ceremonial reasons. There are two important traditional items called the Soulava and the Mwali. The Soulava is a symbolic item, it is a necklace of red shell move in clockwise. The Mwali is a symbolic item, it is a white shell bracelet move in a counter clockwise system. Both items have no intrinsic island value, they cannot be exchanged for anything of real value. Although, they have incredibly important ceremonial and symbolic …show more content…
They are the office and are the highest ranked lineage of clans. Their power is derived from their office, not the actual individual. They oppose another’s will on a particular situation in order to get things done. The chief gives orders and expects them to be obeyed, he has authority power. The sources of chiefly power include land, redistribution, warriors, religion, and monumental architect. He has control of land, the clan or lineage of the chief receives the best land. They are in a greater political and economical standing. He controls redistribution, the goods go to the chief and he redistributes them. He has warriors, who are individuals with only one specific job, and that is to kill. Warriors are not only loyal to the system, but they are personally loyal to the chief. The chief is the head leader of the religious system. He is believed to be the descendant of god. He is also believed to be able to control mana, which is supernatural impersonal power. The chief controls monumental architecture such as projects to build places such as temples and fish ponds. Only the chief can build and finance such projects because he has the wealth and power to do so. The Hawaiian Chiefly Family is a perfect example. Only nobility wore a feather headdress and robe, which is a sign of elite
The Trobiand Island is populated by a society who are horticulturalists. The Kula Ring is practiced by Trobiand islanders where they exchange for ceremonial reasons. There are two important traditional items called the Soulava and the Mwali. The Soulava is a symbolic item, it is a necklace of red shell move in clockwise. The Mwali is a symbolic item, it is a white shell bracelet move in a counter clockwise system. Both items have no intrinsic island value, they cannot be exchanged for anything of real value. Although, they have incredibly important ceremonial and symbolic …show more content…
They are the office and are the highest ranked lineage of clans. Their power is derived from their office, not the actual individual. They oppose another’s will on a particular situation in order to get things done. The chief gives orders and expects them to be obeyed, he has authority power. The sources of chiefly power include land, redistribution, warriors, religion, and monumental architect. He has control of land, the clan or lineage of the chief receives the best land. They are in a greater political and economical standing. He controls redistribution, the goods go to the chief and he redistributes them. He has warriors, who are individuals with only one specific job, and that is to kill. Warriors are not only loyal to the system, but they are personally loyal to the chief. The chief is the head leader of the religious system. He is believed to be the descendant of god. He is also believed to be able to control mana, which is supernatural impersonal power. The chief controls monumental architecture such as projects to build places such as temples and fish ponds. Only the chief can build and finance such projects because he has the wealth and power to do so. The Hawaiian Chiefly Family is a perfect example. Only nobility wore a feather headdress and robe, which is a sign of elite