Kula, << KOO luh >>, is a system of gift exchange, accompanied by elaborate ritual ceremonies, found among the peoples of the islands southeast of Papua New Guinea. Two kinds of valuable objects—red shell necklaces and white armshells—form the gift offered and the gift received. Only men are involved in this annual ceremony. The giving takes place at home and the receiving abroad. In this way, the necklaces circulate clockwise and the armshells counterclockwise among the islands. The name kula-ring is sometimes used to describe the kula system. The kula relationship between two men is traditionally a lasting one.
The importance of the kula was to establish peace. It also developed trade among the islanders in other goods, including foodstuffs.
See also Papua New Guinea (People).
