Bloomsbury - The Art of Kula - Anthropology and Art Book

Explore the complex world of the Kula exchange through this deep study of the Massim region in Papua New Guinea. While many predicted this traditional exchange of shell valuables would vanish, it has instead grown, reaching beyond island communities into the mainland and Australia. This book examines the deep motivations and meanings behind the Kula pursuit. By looking closely at the visually striking carved and painted prow boards used to decorate canoes, the text reveals how these designs act as layers of encoded meaning. Readers will gain a better understanding of the unique color associations and the cultural significance tied to these traditional voyages. This work provides a detailed look at how these practices continue to evolve and hold meaning in a changing world.