Malinowski has also described elaborately about the exchange of gifts which is also found among the Indian tribes. Before we come to Indian tribals, let us look at the gift system found among the Trobrianders.
The Trobrianders give yams to their affines, that is, blood kin. In return they do not require any immediate counter-presentation. The yams are classified as gifts. However, it is anticipated that some counter-presentation would definitely come when such an occasion arises.
Among the Gonds, if there is an occasion of marriage, the affines would bring rice or maize as gift. When there is death in the family similar presents are offered. This is quite like the Trobrianders. The Gonds do not expect immediate return but when a similar occasion arises, the presents would be offered by the first receiver.
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A gift is a characteristic expression of reciprocity because when one parts with a gift he also expects to receive it. Surely, the gift costs something but it is a token of cultural exchange.
Mauce states that in a gift system a large number of institutions are involved-religious, judicial, moral and economic. In the capitalist society, the exchange of wedding rings is, perhaps, the ultimate exchange of gifts.