Final answer:
In traditional East Asian societies, prestige was garnered through the acquisition and distribution of prestige goods like bronze, gold, and silk, reflecting a person's command over resources, artisan control, and international connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
In traditional East Asian societies, individuals did not get prestige through wealth in the way we perceive in contemporary economies. Prestige was often associated with the possession of prestige goods, which could include items like bronze, gold, and silk. These goods served as an indicator of a person's ability to wield power and control resources. Uniquely styled prestige goods suggested international connections through trade or the power of conquest, while locally styled items indicated control over skilled artisans. Gift-giving of precious items by leaders to subordinates was a strategic move to reinforce social hierarchies and ensure loyalty.
The political landscape was very volatile, with chiefs and kings having fluctuating levels of power. The use of prestige goods played a critical role in establishing and maintaining authority. A ruler's ability to dispense such items to lesser chiefs enabled those chiefs, in turn, to assert their own influence over others. Prestige objects were, therefore, not just symbolic but actively participated in creating and sustaining power through social interactions and perceptions.