Venia (VENN-yuh)
Venia (plural: venias) is the simple currency used by the tribes of Kiva in large transactions where mutually-agreed trade is not practical or enough. Although it features in international trade, it does not typically enter non-Kivan circulation: a trader will typically keep venia (the exchange rate at mutually-agreed discretion) they are given for future transactions with the same or other Kivans.
A venia is a 3"-diameter ring carved from oute and polished until smooth. Due to oute and its processing into venia not being commonplace, it is regarded as a currency for special occasions: it features heavily in marriage dowries (from both partners), international trade, the settling of disagreements, and for unusual items (or large quantities) with no obvious trade equivalent. The ring shape enables them to be either strung -- as with a personal supply, known colloquially as a spine -- or stacked in purpose-made cases for more permanent storage, known as a spool. It is not unusual to see one or more venia woven into a Kivan's hair, especially in that of the partners for weddings.
A good koza is considered worth twenty venia. Each partner in a marriage usually brings a dowry of one hundred venia to prove they have the ability to support their partner and contribute to the tribe. Inter-tribe penalties can sometimes be paid in venia, ranging from twenty to five hundred depending on the offense.
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