Final answer:
The Kawelka tribe's distribution of goods and resources is through a ceremonial exchange system known as 'moka', where wealth is redistributed to build social status and establish alliances. The practice involves strategic investment in social relationships, reflecting the tribe's understanding of distributive justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the documentary Ongka's Big Moka: The Kawelka of Papua New Guinea, the distribution of goods and resources among the Kawelka tribe is prominently featured. One of the central themes depicted is the role of the moka, a ceremonial exchange system where leaders like Ongka collect and distribute wealth, which may consist of pigs, shells, and other valuables, to build their social status and prestige. Recipients of this generosity are expected to reciprocate in the future, creating a complex network of social obligations and alliances. Through these ceremonial exchanges, wealth is not merely given away but is a strategic investment in social relationships that bind the community together.
The Kawelka's system is a form of redistribution, which is a common feature in societies with established leadership roles, like chiefs. The ceremony of moka within the Kawelka tribe is a significant social event that not only distributes wealth but also serves to establish the chief's high status and reinforce his social influence among his people. This cultural practice reflects a sophisticated understanding of distributive justice within their community, balancing the need for social hierarchy with the benefits of shared resources.