Final answer:
Sheep functioned as general-purpose money in Ongka's Big Moka, serving as a flexible medium of exchange for various goods and services. This utilization reflected both economic utility and cultural significance, strengthening trade and social bonds within the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ongka's Big Moka, sheep functioned as general-purpose money within their social and economic system. This means that sheep served as a means of exchange that could be traded for a wide array of goods and services, similar to how modern currencies like dollars or euros operate. Utilizing sheep as a form of currency allowed for more flexible economic transactions and helped facilitate trade and social obligations, such as gift exchange, redistribution, and the settlement of debts within the community.
The significance of this usage of sheep as currency is multifaceted. Economically, it enabled smoother and more diverse trade within the society, as sheep were portable and accepted universally within that culture. Socially, the exchange of sheep solidified relationships and alliances between individuals and groups, serving not just as an economic tool but also reinforcing social cohesion and status within the community. Essentially, it exemplified a blend of economic utility with deep-rooted cultural practices and social values.