Trade Culture

The culture of trade in Makasing, particularly within Cahokia and the Free Lands, is marked by a blend of market socialism and gift economy principles, fostering a dynamic yet regulated marketplace. Cahokia, the continent’s trade hub, is the birthplace of the continent-wide currency, nizi, which originated as labor records and has evolved into a digital currency standard accepted across Makasing. This transition has made the central market in Cahokia a bustling hub for goods, crafts, and services.

Trade is facilitated by the unique technology of gats, advanced 3D printers that produce basic items affordably in homes and community centers. However, the market remains vibrant with artisans, inventors, and traders, as certain complex, custom, or artistic goods are not easily replicated. Cahokia’s central market sees a wide array of offerings, including foods, crafted items, and even cutting-edge technological goods and medicines.

Chahi, a trade language derived from a mix of Ojibwe, Lakota, and other Indigenous languages, further solidifies Cahokia’s role in regional commerce. Most Cahokians and many traders across Makasing speak Chahi fluently, making it the linguistic foundation for inter-regional trade. This widespread fluency underscores the cultural value placed on trade and communication within Makasing.