A Warning in Regard to the Stone Money of Yap

Schneider, David M. (December 1976). "A Warning in Regard to the Stone Money of Yap". American Anthropologist. 78 (4): 893–894. doi:10.1525/aa.1976.78.4.02a00160. ISSN 1548-1433 0002-7294, 1548-1433 .

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Abstract: “A Warning in Regard to the Stone Money of Yap” by David M. Schneider from the University of Chicago critiques a publication associated with the Smithsonian Institution regarding the stone money (rai) of Yap. Schneider identifies three main issues: factual inaccuracies, the impropriety of the publication itself, and what he views as poor scholarship. He strongly opposes the inclusion of his name in a list of private rai owners, arguing he only possesses a replica made from a chip of a broken rai, not an original piece.

Schneider condemns the publication for listing pieces of rai with their buying and selling prices, which he claims contradicts professional resolutions against the illicit trade of antiquities. He asserts that the Smithsonian’s action undermines the stance of the scholarly community, which opposes such trade. Schneider further criticizes the monograph’s perpetuation of the misleading idea that traditional Yap had a monetary system analogous to numismatic studies and suggests it should have sought professional advice before publication. I n response, Cora Lee Gillilland of the Smithsonian Institution addresses Schneider’s criticisms, clarifying that her source of information was the Yap District Administrator’s file. Gillilland agrees with Schneider on the improper export of antiquities but defends her publication, arguing that transparency about the acquisition of rai pieces might help combat the practice rather than support it.

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MAG: 2035222830
OpenAlex: W2035222830
CorpusID: 161659951