ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows how the globally overexposed Swedish tourist has come to eschew souvenirs of other cultures in favour of more home-grown fare like the horse. It examines the importance of the Internet in stimulating demand, raising consciousness and avoiding export bottlenecks. The book argues that, although producers specialize in order to speed up production, all the craftsmen possess a range of skills; generalist skills have not been discarded. It traces museum objects are used by many Ainu as points of reference and other indigenous peoples elsewhere doubtless do the same. The book suggests that the items bought by tourists are often judged by the yardstick of what is in museums or private collections. It focuses on the symbolic qualities of gifts bought for people in different kinds of relationships with the purchasers.
