[expand]The belts participated in social exchange systems:
The wedding belts marked marital transitions—brides received belts from grooms or families, the gifts symbolized new social status, the wedding belts were transition markers. The marital gifts were relationship formalization, the exchange was contract performance.
The inheritance belts transferred family identity—deceased relatives’ belts passed to heirs, the inherited belts were genealogical continuity, the transmission was identity inheritance. The family belts connected generations, the transmission maintained lineage visibility.
The friendship belts created social bonds—belts exchanged between friends established obligations, the gift exchange was relationship formalization, the presented belts were social contracts. The friendship gifts were mutual commitment, the exchange was relationship recognition.
The hospitality belts acknowledged guests—honored visitors received belt gifts, the presentation demonstrated respect, the belts were status recognition. The guest gifts were hospitality formalization, the presents were relationship establishment.
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