Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What items did Torres Strait Islander peoples traditionally exchange through trade?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Torres Strait Islander peoples
A Torres Strait Islander boy performing a traditional dance.
Traditionally, Torres Strait Islander peoples engaged in extensive trade with other island communities and villages along the south coast of Papua New Guinea. This economic activity involved the exchange of various items, including:
- Feathers1
- Turtle shells1
- Pearl shells1
- Tools1
- Canoes1
These exchanges were a fundamental part of the traditional economy for these seafaring communities, reflecting their reliance on both the surrounding waterways and regional networks.1