What goods did high-island and low-island communities exchange through trade?

In traditional Micronesian society, trade between high-island and low-island communities was a well-developed system that allowed for the exchange of goods based on local availability and environmental conditions.

High-island communities primarily provided goods that were more easily produced or obtained in their environments, most notably turmeric. This was a significant export used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, or mixed with coconut oil to create a bright orange body paint.1

Low-island communities provided a variety of handcrafted items, including:
* Shell beads1
* Plaited pandanus mats1
* Coarse cloth woven from banana or wild hibiscus fiber, which was used for men’s loincloths and women’s skirts1

This interisland trade often occurred between specific partners who viewed one another as distant relatives. Beyond the exchange of material goods, these trade relationships served an essential social function by providing low islanders with aid and temporary shelter during periods when their islands were devastated by cyclones.1