If you truly think those “gifts” had no strings attached, no expectations of reciprocity, no complex social rules underpinning the whole practice enforced through threat and application of violence…
I have a bridge to sell gift you.
You can see all of this sort of thing reflected in all sorts of historical and mythological fiction and even in some non-fiction historical research. Most newer than bronzr age, sure, but I think it’s irresponsible to pretend these were just straight gifts.
And if that’s not what this is, I’m dying to hear the difference, because I vaguely remember Cline directly comparing the royal “gift giving” to the Kula Ring.
If you truly think those “gifts” had no strings attached, no expectations of reciprocity, no complex social rules underpinning the whole practice enforced through threat and application of violence…
I have a bridge to
sellgift you.You can see all of this sort of thing reflected in all sorts of historical and mythological fiction and even in some non-fiction historical research. Most newer than bronzr age, sure, but I think it’s irresponsible to pretend these were just straight gifts.
…Yes, of course they did, that’s what a gift economy is.
I think you need to read more history and less theory.
Yes, that’s what a gift economy is, but bronze age kings “gifting” each other things was not a gift economy.
I think I read too much history as is.
And if that’s not what this is, I’m dying to hear the difference, because I vaguely remember Cline directly comparing the royal “gift giving” to the Kula Ring.