Stone Money: the Rai of Yap

The island of Yap in Micronesia is famous for its unique form of currency known as rai stones, which have been used for several centuries. The stone money is considered an ancient form of blockchain and cryptocurrency, because it utilizes a communal oral ledger to track ownership and transactions, ensuring transparency and immutability. Additionally, the value of rai stones is based on their scarcity and the effort required to create and transport them, mirroring the principles of cryptocurrency