ANT 10CD Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Potlatch, Trobriand Islands
Document Summary
Giving something as a gift now in return for something in the unspeciied future. When the giver gives something now and creates the obligation to receive something speciic at some point in the speciied or unspeciied future ex) sharing of hunters and gatherers. You are given something in attempt to disadvantage you/lower social status. Bettering the return gift you have to give your. System in the trobriand islands that occurs between island chiefs. Trade depends on the physical location of the islands to one another. Regional exchange practice on the northwest coast of north america. High status accumulates goods to throw a potlatch (party) like food, elaborate blankets, and coppers. Give away the goods you acquire, and the coppers are given away as pieces not wholes. Operates when goods, services or their equivalent (money) moves from the local level to the center money " value marker. Low eventually reverses direction from the center to the periphery.