European influences on exchange in the Pacific Islands

Pacific Islanders quickly started trading with passing European ships. They adapted existing objects to sell to Europeans. They also adopted new ones into their own exchange systems.

Europeans introduced coins and paper money, and also traded using local currencies such as pearl shells and whale ivory.

However, Pacific Islanders continue with some traditional exchanges because of their social and ceremonial importance.

Click on the pictures below to find out more about some of these objects.

In this section

• Pacific Islanders
• Early settlers and seafarers
• European influences on exchange

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