This foreword by Stephen C. Levinson, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, provides an overview of John Liep's book, which revisits and corrects the misconceptions about the indigenous money system and economic practices on Rossel Island, Papua New Guinea. The book challenges the earlier claims by Armstrong, who likened the island's institutions to Western capitalist systems. Instead, it emphasizes the need to understand Rossel's economic system in its own terms and within its indigenous context. The foreword highlights the unique cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of the Rossel Islanders, who have a vibrant culture and a distinct language. It notes that despite the controversy surrounding Armstrong's account, no one had revisited the island until Liep's 35-year-old study. The population has grown significantly, and the island faces challenges such as changing sexual mores and the spread of AIDS. Government and trade have declined, leading to a reliance on local resources and traditional practices like shell-money. The foreword also discusses the current situation on Rossel, including the resurgence of a cargo cult led by a failed politician, which has attracted educated members of the community. This cult's beliefs and practices reflect a mix of traditional and modern elements, and it has international implications due to gold exploration in the area. The island's society is described as poised between tradition and modernity, with the potential for both positive and negative impacts from globalization.This foreword by Stephen C. Levinson, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, provides an overview of John Liep's book, which revisits and corrects the misconceptions about the indigenous money system and economic practices on Rossel Island, Papua New Guinea. The book challenges the earlier claims by Armstrong, who likened the island's institutions to Western capitalist systems. Instead, it emphasizes the need to understand Rossel's economic system in its own terms and within its indigenous context. The foreword highlights the unique cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of the Rossel Islanders, who have a vibrant culture and a distinct language. It notes that despite the controversy surrounding Armstrong's account, no one had revisited the island until Liep's 35-year-old study. The population has grown significantly, and the island faces challenges such as changing sexual mores and the spread of AIDS. Government and trade have declined, leading to a reliance on local resources and traditional practices like shell-money. The foreword also discusses the current situation on Rossel, including the resurgence of a cargo cult led by a failed politician, which has attracted educated members of the community. This cult's beliefs and practices reflect a mix of traditional and modern elements, and it has international implications due to gold exploration in the area. The island's society is described as poised between tradition and modernity, with the potential for both positive and negative impacts from globalization.