The Stone Money of Yap: a Numismatic Survey
Gillilland, Cora Lee C (1975). The Stone Money of Yap: a Numismatic Survey. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1975. 75. doi:10.5479/si.00810258.23.1. ISSN 0081-0258.
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Abstract: A numismatic survey presented as a detailed report focused on the stone money of Yap, an island in Micronesia. The document includes a comprehensive examination of the physical characteristics, historical context, and cultural significance of the Rai stones used as currency on Yap. The geographic focus centers on Yap Island within the Federated States of Micronesia, with explicit treatment of the island’s unique monetary system. The time period addressed spans traditional usage through contemporary observations, reflecting changes and continuities in the practice. The survey incorporates references to local institutions and customary practices governing the creation, exchange, and valuation of stone money. The document systematically catalogs various types and sizes of Rai stones, providing measurements, descriptions, and classifications. It also discusses the social and economic domains related to the stone money, including trade, ownership, and ceremonial functions. The report includes historical accounts of the origins and evolution of the stone money system, as well as policy reviews concerning its role in Yapese society. The survey integrates ethnographic data and numismatic analysis, drawing on field research and archival sources. The document is structured to present a taxonomic catalog alongside interpretive commentary on the stone money’s function within Yap’s cultural and economic frameworks.
Extra details:
MAG: 99277992 OpenAlex: W99277992
