Horses, Silver, and Cowries: Yunnan in Global Perspective

Abstract

Through examination of the horse trade, silver exports, and cowry monetary system of Yunnan, currently a province in southwestern China, this paper seeks to place Yunnan in global perspective. Furthermore, by considering Yunnan's cross-regional trade networks as routes parallel to the overland Silk Roads and the maritime Silk Roads, the paper adds new dimensions to the understanding of Eurasian communications. Finally, consideration of world-system perspectives will shed some light on contemporary world-system debates.