The south sea, AD 1777! Three years after James Cook visited the islands, the islands are embroiled in a contest for possession of legendary shrunken heads. The players' only desire is to acquire these ''head attractions'' for shipment to museums in Europe. Although the islanders are very interested in trading their treasures with the European for the glass beads they offer, their traditions require that such exchanges be done during a special KAWA ritual.

Thus, the players must submit to this ritual by playing against each other with their beads for the prized shrunken heads. The winner will leave the island with the treasure. The losers may remain to provide further treasures...