Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula - Sabrizain.org

CHAPTER V.
Modes of Barter.
Money is not yet understood by any but the most
civilised members of the three races, all of whom trade
to a greater or less extent in jungle produce, the chief
articles bartered being gutta, tree-gum or "dammar,"
wood-oils (camphor, benzoin, etc.), perfumed wood,
e.g. eagle-wood or "gharu," and to a limited extent,
minerals, more especially tin.
In return the jungle-folk get rice, tobacco, salt,
areca-nuts, cloth, cooking utensils, implements, tools,
and weapons, and occasionally such luxuries as beads
and (very rarely) looking-glasses.
They appear to possess a decided preference
(doubtless due to the fact that neither are Mussulmans)
for dealings with the Chinese, who obtain for them
various articles which have now become necessities
of their existence, and who do not cheat them so
mercilessly as the Malays.
In many Malay legends reference is made to the
alleged Sakai and Semang practice of depositing
the objects that they were willing to barter in a
recognised spot, and then returning a few days later
to take up the articles that the Malays had meanwhile
deposited in the same spot by way of payment
VOL. I Q