^^^^ CB: In pre-capitalist, class divided societies, commodities are traded on the periphery and between societies, according to Marx and Engels , and anthropologists. In feudalism and slavery most of the wealth is not produced as commodities. Most of the production is for use , not exchange. For example, a feudal manor is substantially, economically self-sufficient, does not rely on trade as its main source of wealth, nor is distribution within the manor by exchange of commodities. In kinship based societies, there are no commodities, but rather gift exchange, which are not commodities.
********************** I see your points Charles. But, money exists within feudal and slave based modes of production. Money is a commodity, the use-value of which is in exchanging values. Money came in handy in when mercantile capitalists traded their wares and when slaves were being sold in the marketplace along with other commodities.
Mike B)
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