Another primitive group, the Trobriand Islanders of Melanesian New Guinea, engage in a ritualized exchange of possessions that is decidedly nonmaterialist. It's the giving, not the having, that counts. The colored necklaces and shells are highly valued by everyone, but no one keeps them. The objects continually circulate among individuals and villages, often eventually making the rounds back to the original giver. The exchange is a goodwill gesture that helps to maintain social order.
Possessions perennially play an important role in establishing and maintaining social relationships.
A young man, for instance, hopes to win the heart of a young woman so he gives her an expensive bottle of perfume or piece of jewelry. There's a certain hidden terror involved in gift giving. Grant McCraken explains that we reveal ourselves through the gift we choose. We publicly announce a certain view of the recipient and invite them to confirm our view. That's why we feel so bad if someone doesn't care for the gift we have given.