essay

Attaining rank: a classification of kula shell valuables

kula : new perspectives on massim exchange • Cambridge, U.K. • Published In 1983 • Pages: 229-248

By: Campbell, Shirley F..

Abstract

Based on data obtained from field work on Vakuta Island, this article presents information on the criteria used in classifying Kula shells, how these shells are arranged into ranking categories (according to well-defined features such as age and color), the relative value and relationship between categories, and the manner in which various shells are able to move between categories (p. 229). Campbell notes that shells apparently enter the system in the lower to middle rank and from there move slowly up the classification hierarchy as they accumulate age and history.

HRAF PubDate

1995

Region

Oceania

Sub Region

Melanesia

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle

Field Date

Sept. 1976-Jan. 1978

Coverage Date

1976-1978

Coverage Place

Vakuta Island, Papua New Guinea

Notes

[by] Shirley F. Campbell

Bibliography will be found in 36: Leach, Information Sources Listed in Other Works (113)

LCCN

82004142

LCSH

Trobriand Islanders