ABSTRACT
In the evolution of money various stages must be distinguished. The point of departure is marked by favourite articles of barter, usually between communities of approximately equal standing, e.g. in New Guinea, the regular exchange of sago for pots, or of stone adzes for shells or fish, of arrows for tobacco, of arm-shells for pigs, and so on. This, as a rule, involves the exchange of traditional quantities or packages, as in the case of sago or tobacco, for corresponding quantities of the other articles. Among the mountain tribe of the Mafula, who live in the south of New Guinea, a pig was formerly always paid for in dogs' teeth; these are still the only payment accepted for some kinds of ornaments, such as are used for dances or ornamental nose-pieces. The most heterogeneous objects are used as currency in Africa, and often vary in value from district to district.
