Necklace "soulava"

various shells (red Spondylus shell), various fibres, imported glass beads, Necklaces "soulava" are part of a ceremonial exchange system among the inhabitants of the Melanesian Islands, which is called "kula exchange" or "kula ring" by ethnologists. These Melanesian islands are arranged almost in a circle, and necklaces "soulava" are exchanged between them in one direction and arm rings "mwali" in the opposite direction. The individual necklaces and arm rings have a sacred character, each with its own orally transmitted story. All gifts must be exchanged after some time. The social function of this complex, none-profit exchange trade is to strengthen the social bonds between the islanders.